Sunderland 1 Derby 0

Sunderland entertained Derby at the Stadium of Light but left it late to score the wining goal through Anthony Stokes. Stokes scrambled the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time.

It looked like the game was going to finish even stevens when both sides were guilty of not taking there chances.

Early in the first half Cole should have scored but lost his footing at the vital moment.

Then Derby could have scored but Ward pulled of a fantastic save from Kenny Miller.

Derby might of have scored though Howard shortly after Millers chance. With Sunderland`s defence all over shop it took a goalmouth clearance from Whitehead to keep it out.

Jones then managed to put his shot against the post when it was easier to score

Dean Whitehead`s then had a pile driver of a shot which was goal bound it however cannoned off Chopra for a goal kick.

Then in the stoppage time Sunderland came forward and a cross from Miller found Jones who`s shot was spilled by Bywater. However Stokes was on hand to finish from 2 yards.





Sunderland Line Up 4-4-2

Ward
Halford
Higginbotham
McShane
Collins
Edwards (Stokes)
Leadbitter (Miller)
Whitehead
Wallace
Cole (Chopra)
Jones


Subs not used

Gordon
Harte

Match Comment
It might not have been pretty but it was a win and it`s just what we needed. On looking back on the game we maybe only deserved a point but how many time this season have we deserved three points and only come away with one. Our luck is changing for the better and long may it continue.