SUNDERLAND'S League One game at Accrington Stanley was controversially abandoned with just 15 minutes remaining because of torrential rain.

The game was allowed to begin despite persistent rain having left standing water on the pitch at Accrington's Crown Ground.

However, conditions deteriorated dramatically during the second half, and after consulting with both managers, referee Oliver Langford called things to a halt.

The game will have to be replayed at a future date.

Chris Maguire opened the scoring for Sunderland in the 63rd minute, with Connor Hall equalising for Accrington six minutes later.