Sunderland secure first home win

Thursday, 04, May 2006 10:22

Sunderland have finally won in front of their weary home crowd as they secured a 2-1 win over Fulham.

It was the last game at the Stadium of Light this season and the faithful crowd were given the send-off they deserved as the home side took all three points.

There were empty seats all over the ground as many of those that attended all season had given up hope of a final home win.

The first chances fell to Fulham's Heidar Helguson and Steed Malbranque but the former put his header wide of the post and the latter miss-hit his volley.

Liverpool's on-loan striker Anthony Le Tallec gave Sunderland the lead with a glanced near post header just after the half hour.

The young striker's fifth goal of the season puts him at the top of the Sunderland scoring charts, which is a telling indication of their ills this year.

Another loan youngster Justin Hoyte should have doubled the lead at the start of the second half but he missed a wonderful chance from Nyron Nosworthy's cross.

Nosworthy charged down the right once again to create the home side's second goal. His shot was too hot for Mark Crossley to handle and Chris Brown tucked away the rebound.

Tomas Radzinski blasted a goal back with 14 minutes left on the clock but Sunderland held on to secure that win.