Sunderland took the lead but still went down 3-1 at Portsmouth and their Premiership survival now goes down to the last game of the season. All the goals came in the second half with the visitor's scoring first on 59 minutes as Calum Davenport's marauding run and cross was tapped home by Kenwyne Jones for the Black Cats first away goal since February 1st.
Within a minute Pompey drew level in slightly controversial circumstances.
As John Utaka and Davenport tussled for the ball referee Alan Wiley blew his whistle for an apparent penalty but then played advantage as the Portsmouth player remained upright to rifle past Marton Fulop.
There was doubt about the reason for Portsmouth's second, an horrendous mistake by Anton Ferdinand which allowed Utaka to force Phil Bardsley into conceding an own goal.
Just before the final whistle Jones had a marvellous opportunity to get his second and Sunderland's equaliser but headed straight at Asmir Begovic.
Pompey then broke quickly and substitute Armand Traore fired in an angled shot to complete a miserable night for the healthy contingent of travelling Sunderland fans.
The result leaves the Black Cats needing a win against Chelsea next Sunday to ensure their safety.
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia again rued his side's inability to convert their chances whilst making basic errors at the back.
"It was disappointing, but the same old story we weren't just clinical enough," he admitted to Setanta Sports.
"We let teams off the hook after taking the lead. We were slightly unlucky with the bounce for the first goal but it was the second that was the killer."
When Sbragia was shown the replay of Portsmouth's equaliser and the referee blowing for an apparent penalty he was honest enough to accept that they could well have scored from the spot but refused to make too much of it.
"I won't be speaking to the referee as I've too many other things to worry about!"
"It's happening too often, we score and should have more confidence to boss the game but we don't, then make a mistake."
