Sunderland overcame a spirited challenge from Championship strugglers Oxford United to book a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a narrow victory at the Kassam Stadium.
A first-half penalty from Habib Diarra proved decisive for the Premier League side in a contest they largely controlled
Despite sitting just above the Championship relegation zone and making eight changes to their starting line-up, Oxford started brightly.
New South Korean signing Jinwoo Jeon looked lively in the opening exchanges, while loanee Jamie Donley forced a strong save from Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
The turning point arrived after 32 minutes when referee Thomas Kirk awarded a penalty following a challenge by Christ Makosso on Dennis Cirkin. Diarra calmly converted from the spot to hand Sunderland the lead.
Oxford goalkeeper Matt Ingram, standing in for first-choice Jamie Cumming, produced a series of impressive second-half saves to keep his side in the contest, denying efforts from Romaine Mundle, Chemsidine Talbi and Trai Hume.
However, Sunderland were seldom troubled defensively as they safely progressed, keeping their hopes of a trip to Wembley Stadium alive.
