Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle Highlights

Kieran Richardson’s sublime free-kick saw off a spirited Newcastle side to earn Sunderland their first Wear-Tyne derby victory in eight years.

Click Here to Watch Highlights

Djibril Cisse showed great reactions to put Sunderland ahead when he steered in Steed Malbranque’s shot-cum-cross.

Shola Ameobi’s powerful header from Geremi’s fine free-kick drew Joe Kinnear’s men level before the break.

But Richardson crashed home the winner with a ferocious 18-yard strike after Nicky Butt fouled El-Hadji Diouf.

The Magpies matched their hosts for most of a fiery match played in battering wind. But the Black Cats started and finished strongly, created the better chances and no one could argue with the quality of Richardson’s winner 15 minutes from time.

Having shown commendable fighting spirit to come back to salvage 2-2 draws from their last two games, Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear was desperate not to see his struggling side fall behind again.