Roy Keane's Sunderland cruised to a deserved 2-1 win over QPR at Loftus Road last night.

The visitors led through a 17th-minute tap-in from Irishman Daryl Murphy. Grant Leadbitter rounded Simon Royce on the stroke of half-time to make it 2-0, and though youngster Ray Jones (73) did find a consolation it was not enough for the Londoners.

The result moves Sunderland up two places to 14th, one place and two points behind Mick McCarthy's Wolves, who drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Molineux last night.

Lewis Gobern struck for Wanderers with a crossed free-kick in the 63rd minute only for Dougie Freedman to volley a late equaliser.