Leicester players celebrate with Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy’s brace earned Leicester City a 2-0 win over Sunderland that takes them a step closer to the Barclays Premier League title.

The England striker raced onto Danny Drinkwater’s long ball before finishing with aplomb midway through the second half of a close, tense contest at the Stadium of Light.

And Leicester, who saw late efforts from Drinkwater and substitute Daniel Amartey thwarted by Mannone, sealed the win as Vardy charged from the halfway line before prodding the ball around the Sunderland keeper and tucking in his 21st goal of a remarkable season.

Sunderland, who worked tirelessly but passed up presentable chances to score, remain four points from safety in 18th place.

Chances were scarce in the first half, though Kasper Schmeichel saved well to deny Fabio Borini as Sunderland sought a win to give their survival hopes a major boost.

The victory gave Leicester 72 points on the table, nine points ahead of second placed Tottenham Hotspur, who play later against Manchester United, chasing a top-four finish.  Leicester need just three more wins to clinch the coveted league.