Sunderland top scorer Charlie Wyke secured a 1-0 win over 10-man Ipswich to heap more pressure on under-fire manager Paul Lambert.
Town had suffered a major setback as early as the 10th minute when striker Kayden Jackson was shown a straight red card after he planted his studs high into the shin of Bailey Wright.
There was a goalmouth scramble in the six-yard box following a free-kick by Grant Leadbitter, with Holy patting away an effort by Wyke, before the striker added his 12th league goal of the season.
Sunderland keeper Lee Burge denied Luke Thomas and, at the other end, Aiden O'Brien's goal-bound shot was blocked near the line by Mark McGuinness.