Sunderland and Southampton edged that little bit closer to ensuring their top flight survival as they shared the points in an uninspiring 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The game was far from a classic and it was easy to see why both clubs are where they are in the table. Phil Bardsley's second half opener for Sunderland was out of keeping with what had preceded it as he registered his first goal with a screamer from range, with Southampton substitute Jason Puncheon's leveller more in keeping with the game as a whole as he stabbed home at the second attempt with 12 minutes remaining.
Bardsley's first goal in two years arrived in the 68th minute as he arrowed in from just inside Southampton's box after being teed up by Adam Johnson. A slight deflection off Jos Hooiveld will take nothing away from what was fine effort.
It was a lead Sunderland could hold on to for only eight minutes though as a pair of Southampton substitutes, brought on by Mauricio Pochettino as a direct response to falling behind, combined to conjure a leveller.
From James Ward-Prowse's deep left wing cross Puncheon rose highest only to be thwarted by an excellent Simon Mignolet save. The Sunderland goalkeeper was not so fortunate with the rebound though as Puncheon gleefully smashed home.
The best chance to steal a maximum haul fell to Rickie Lambert but from his sharp volley Mignolet was at his athletic best to push the ball wide of his far post.
The opening period was the sort of game that will have had players, managers and supporters alike daydreaming of sunnier climes. Both teams looked as though they needed a holiday.
Profligacy was the order of the day as Sunderland in particular showed an absolute dearth of confidence. Southampton were not much better but it was Pochinetto's side that created the first real opportunity, on 28 minutes, when Lambert's daisy-cutter brought Mignolet into action.
Awoken from the slumber Jay Rodriguez then forced Mignolet into a smart if comfortable stop with a header before the Southampton man fired in the half's best effort only to be denied by Sunderland's outstretched keeper from around 12 yards.
With Danny Graham hopelessly isolated Sunderland never really looked like testing Artur Boruc and it was only in the second period that with the introduction of Conor Wickham did they look like finding a breakthrough.
A game that will have been forgotten almost on Mike Dean's final whistle may ultimately prove to provide the point that ensures both clubs are playing top flight football next season.
