Sunderland	1 - 0	Derby
Scorers Stokes 90  Booked Stokes 90	Half Time ( 0 - 0 )	Booked McEveley 60

Derby looked a transformed side from their games so far this season and even had chances to take a first-half lead. But some poor finishing and a last-gasp goal from Anthony Stokes gave Sunderland a vital win and edge them away from the relegation zone.

Keane left Craig Gordon out and brought Darren Ward into goal as one of five changes to the team who conceded seven goals last weekend.

New Derby boss Paul Jewell made three changes in his first game in charge as he looked for the perfect start against his fellow strugglers.

Matt Oakley hit an early shot narrowly wide as Derby pressed early on. And Kenny Miller’s effort was then pushed on to the post by Ward in the Sunderland goal as it looked as if the hosts could pick up the points. Higginbotham’s mistake gave Miller space and his diagonal shot from outside the area was just reached by the keeper.

A free-kick from Giles Barnes was deflected out for a corner and Dean Whitehead, returning to the Sunderland team after injury, cleared off the line as Derby looked for a goal to break the deadlock.

As Sunderland pushed forward, Kenwyne Jones wasted a chance when he could only hit the post right in front of goal after Bywater had saved a first effort. The Black Cats failed to test the goalkeeper much as Derby controlled the opening period.

It was the visitors who pushed forward and continued to threaten the Sunderland goal. But they couldn’t find the final breakthrough, partly because of bad luck and partly because of the lack of clear-cut chances. The trouble is, they look vulnerable in defence and, until now, appeared weak in attack. Even after this improved performance they’ve still shown they’re struggling to score goals.

After the break, Derby continued their good play from the first-half and Halford deflected a Matt Oakley shot just wide.

But Sunderland got back into the game as the Rams lacked conviction in front of goal. Leadbitter’s shot was blocked by Davis and Whitehead was unlucky enough to see his effort deflect off substitute Michael Chopra and away to safety.

As time started to run out, Craig Fagan’s effort was blocked by Higginbotham as Derby made a final push forward.

But when it looked as though the visitors would pick up a much-needed point, Stokes, who had earlier been denied by Oakley broke the hearts of travelling fans and new boss Paul Jewell. A header from Jones was only parried by Stephen Bywater and the 19-year-old was quickest and strongest to react as he scrambled the ball home at the second attempt, three minutes into injury time.

To lose against Sunderland shows just where Derby’s season is going as this is the sort of game the Rams need to pick up at least a point. The defeat leaves them bottom of the table but the new manager has given them hope if this type of performance continues.

A battling performance lifts Sunderland out of the bottom three and up to fourteenth. It was only their third victory of the season but it was a priceless one against one of their fellow teams in the mini-league at the bottom of the table.


Sunderland: Ward, Halford, McShane, Higginbotham, Collins, Edwards (Stokes 78), Leadbitter (Miller 83), Whitehead, Wallace, Jones, Cole (Chopra 64).

Subs Not Used: Gordon, Harte.

Derby: Bywater, Griffin, Davis, Moore, McEveley, Teale (Leacock 84), Oakley, Pearson, Barnes (Fagan 70), Howard, Miller (Earnshaw 86).

Subs Not Used: Price, Mears.

Att: 42,380

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

By Ben Hughes