For sheer drama, it was hard to beat. Seconds after ex-Sunderland man Aiden O'Brien scored for Portsmouth to put Wigan's promotion celebrations on ice, Rotherham's Michael Ihiekwe put through his own net two minutes from time at the Stadium of Light to ruin the Millers' own promotion party.
Defender Ihiekwe had earlier scored the goal that looked to have all-but secured a rapid return to the Championship for his side, and which would have left Sunderland going into Saturday's trip to Morecambe on a wing and a prayer. Instead, after 45 games, there are still many moving parts going into League One's final weekend.
Wigan, Rotherham, and MK Dons will form the top three, any of them could yet still finish as champions, and any two from that trio could end up in the automatic promotion places, with the other destined for the play-offs. Behind them, it's any three from four as Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, and Wycombe, scrap for the remaining play-off places. All could yet finish anywhere between fourth and seventh.
READ MORE: Alex Neil says Sunderland in 'perfect situation' after Rotherham draw
Jeff Stelling and his live league table will be working overtime on Soccer Saturday. For Sunderland, their midweek clash with Rotherham was always a must-not-lose game, rather than a must-win.
Their performance may have been underwhelming but, as has been pointed out time and again, at this stage of the season it is the result that matters. Sunderland, trailing to Ihiekwe's first-half goal - this one at the right end - did not manage so much as a single shot on target against a side that outmuscled and outplayed them for most of the match.
But the own-goal gifted them a point which could be crucial in deciding their play-off fate. Without it, Sunderland would have gone to Morecambe knowing even a win at the Mazuma Stadium might not be enough to make sure of a top six finish, depending on how rivals Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth, and Wycombe fare.
As it is, Sunderland now have a one-point advantage over Plymouth and Wycombe, meaning a win will get them over the line regardless of events elsewhere. If they draw, they will reach the play-offs unless Wycombe and Plymouth both win, and Sheffield Wednesday pick up at least a point.
There is even a route to the play-offs if they lose at Morecambe, although that is not a path Sunderland would wish to tread. By their own standards, Sunderland were below-par against the Millers, although it must be said they were up against one of the best sides in the division.
Rotherham led through a set-piece goal and spurned further chances to extend their lead and kill the game off. The Millers were duly punished when Ihiekwe, under virtually no pressure, headed Jack Clarke's cross into the roof of his own net.
It was an incredible stroke of luck for Sunderland, preserving their unbeaten run and stretching it to 12 games. But, more importantly, it gives Alex Neil's men that precious single-point advantage going into the weekend.
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
