Sunderland missed the chance to move back into a play-off place despite coming from behind to snatch a deserved equaliser against fast-improving Stoke City.
Substitutes Matt Piper and Darren Byfield conjured up a 68th minute equaliser after Sebastian Svard had fired the visitors into a surprise early lead Stoke survived an amazing three-minute onslaught before grabbing the lead completely against the run of play.
The visitors' goal bore a charmed life as the Black Cats forced four corners as the result of on-target efforts. Ed de Goey saved in style from Tommy Smith, Sean Thornton has a drive blocked, Gary Breen's effort was diverted behind and another shot from Thornton was saved.
Stoke showed to make the most of a rare opportunity, Darrel Russell finding Svard in space and the Danish defender, on loan from Arsenal, left Mart Poom helpless with an angled drive.
Ade Akinbiyi failed to take advantage of a Breen mistake, but it was nearer still at the other end when Kevin Kyle was twice denied by the impressive de Goey.
Sloppy Sunderland could make no headway in the swirling conditions until manager Mick McCarthy's patience finally ran out, making a double substitution in the 54th minute to instant effect.
The home side stepped up a gear with the pace of Piper and Byfield adding a new dimension to an attack unable to rediscover their early threat.
Thornton was just too high and Phil Babb failed to hit the target from a John Oster corner but Stoke stood firm and Wayne Thomas came close to hitting a late winner, Poom saving smartly from a sweetly struck free-kick.
Sunderland forced 13 corners without replay, but the lack of a cutting edge could prove vital in the quest for an immediate return to the Premiership.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has played down his sides' chances of pushing for a play-off place, citing a lack of strength in depth of his squad.
"The problem we have is strength in depth compared to some other clubs," he said. "The spirit and commitment is there and nobody can deny we have a got chance, but I am not sure we are on that spot just yet."