Ronan Curtis (left) celebrates scoring Portsmouth's second goal in their 3-1 win over Sunderland
Ronan Curtis scored his eighth goal of the season to help League One leaders Portsmouth see off promotion rivals Sunderland at a sold-out Fratton Park.
Following a goalless first half, Gareth Evans put Pompey ahead from the penalty spot after Glenn Loovens was sent off for bringing down Oli Hawkins when he was clean through.
Republic of Ireland international Curtis doubled Pompey's lead from an unlikely angle as the winger slotted between Sunderland keeper Jon McLaughlin's legs from virtually the byline.
Sunderland pulled one back shortly after with Luke O'Nien free at the back post to convert Reece James' centre.
But the Black Cats' comeback hopes were quickly dashed when Ben Thompson added Pompey's third with a deflected shot after Hawkins' header was parried.
Match report supplied by the Press Association.
