SEALS DERBY JOY

though, having dropped off alarmingly, with Ameobi finding the space to drive a low shot just a yard wide in the 78th minute.

Sunderland won a free- kick in the 80th minute when Altidore was bundled to the floor just outside the ‘ D’ but, perversely, Sunderland opted to give the opportunity to Fletcher, who fired it straight at the wall.

It was threatening to be a frustrating end to the game for Sunderland with Borini trying to get on the end of a decent long ball only to put it out for a goal- kick.

But the sting was in the tail as Sunderland scored one of THE great derby goals in the 84th minute

It started from Ki, who fed the ball forward to Colback whose ball to Altidore was mis- controlled by the big man just outside the area but was snapped up by Borini moving across him.

From 22 yards, the on- loan Liverpool man struck an astonishing right- foot shot into the top left- hand corner of Krul’s goal, the ball swerving away from the keeper who could only finger- tip it as it scorched into the corner of goal.

That sparked wild scenes of joy from the home- grown fans although the growing euphoria was almost extinguished when a John O’Shea header came close to producing a devastating own goal – Westwood just managing to snatch it before it crossed his line under pressure from Cisse.

Four minutes were added on in which Sunderland ticked the clock down with three corners in succession. Four minutes of nail- biting from the home fans.

But Lee Probert finally blew the whistle on a historic victory which breathed fresh new life into Sunderland’s season, with Poyet having perfectly calculated his game plan and his players deserving every plaudit for having delivered it.