Adil Aouchiche scored Bellingham’s first penalty goal with ease, and 27 minutes later, the 18-year-old striker gave the team breathing room with his eighth goal of the year.
It was well-deserved, Sunderland’s first victory since Michael Dodds took over as temporary manager until the end of the season after Michael Beale was fired.
Despite their dismal performance, the Black Cats managed to knock off Cardiff’s slim chances of making the playoffs and closed the gap to two points in mid-table.
Prior to the international break two weeks ago, Cardiff had won four straight games before losing the South Wales derby at Swansea.
With a goalless draw against QPR earlier in the day, Sunderland ended a run of six straight losses and started the day nine points above the relegation zone.
Their dreams of winning for the first time since February 10 were dashed after 12 minutes when Dimitrios Goutas threw up the ball and put Bellingham’s arm in an attempt to make amends.
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