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Sunderland defeated Luton 2-1 at Kenilworth Road to increase their lead at the top of the Championship by three points.

Following a goal by Elijah Adebayo of Luton that negated the first goal for the visitors from 17-year-old Chris Rigg, Romaine Mundle scored his fourth goal of the season to end the match.

Burnley, the title contenders, were held to a 1-1 draw against Hull, but the victory put Sunderland one step clear of them.

Luton believed Carlton Morris was onside when he slotted home with the game tied, but the flag was raised, so the evening was not without controversy.

Alfie Doughty’s whipped cross was handled by the Sunderland defense, but Luton got off to a quick start and Tahith Chong had some excellent agility on the outskirts of the area to earn a foul.

Victor Moses skipped down the right and then sent a cross to Morris inside the area as the Hatters kept up their pressure, but the striker’s shot went out for a goal kick after narrowly missing the right post.

The league leaders weren’t playing at their best because Luton’s aggressive style frequently prevented them from getting into a groove.

And before halftime, Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson had to tip over Morris’ looping header off another Moses cross to keep the score tied, nearly giving Luton the lead.

Morris tapped in a flick-on from a corner a few seconds later, but it was disallowed for offside because Jordan Clark appeared to have been obstructing play before the ball reached the Luton captain.

After the half, Rob Edwards’ team kept sprinkling the goal. Patterson pushed the ball over the crossbar, denying Elijah Adebayo, who leaped highest to meet a cross.

However, Sunderland scored their first noteworthy opportunity in the 55th minute, and Luton paid the price for their wasted opportunities.

Rigg spotted the ball in the area between the two center-backs, and the teenager calmly controlled it before drilling it into the bottom right corner to give the title contenders the lead.