Black Cats sink Newcastle in feisty derby
Saturday, 25 Oct 2008 15:02
Kieran Richardson's goal the difference between the two teams
A sensational free-kick from Kieran Richardson gave Sunderland a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
Roy Keane's men earned the spoils in the north-east derby from Richardson's stunning set-piece on 75 minutes, after Shola Ameobi had cancelled out Djibril Cisse's opener.
The game was briefly stopped after fans hurled coins and bottles at Magpies midfielder Joey Barton as he was warmed up.
Tempers flared at the full-time whistle with both sets of fans exchanging punches after running on to the pitch.
But it failed to spoil Sunderland's day as their first win at home over their rivals since 1980 sees them move into ninth place while Joe Kinnear's men languish in 19th position.
The Black Cats made the better start to the derby battle and grabbed the lead on 20 minutes when Steed Malbranque's shot was diverted in by the outstretched Cisse.
Newcastle's afternoon looked to be getting worse when Nicky Butt went off with an ankle injury but the midfielder returned to the field after having a cortisone injection.
And they were back on level terms within ten minutes when Geremi's free-kick was headed into the roof of the net by Ameobi for his second goal in two games.
The second half was a more entertaining affair with Ameobi going close with a shot from the edge of the box that flew wide, while Cisse was inches close to connecting with a through ball.
Referee Mike Riley then held up play briefly when fans chucked objects at Barton with the ex-Manchester City midfielder responding by kissing his badge before retreating to the technical area.
The Stadium of Light erupted 15 from time when Richardson curled his free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-1.
That sparked Sunderland into action with Cisse shooting narrowly over the bar in the closing stages before rattling the post a minute later.
Despite the introduction of Barton and Xisco, the Magpies were unable to snatch a last-gasp equaliser to deepen their relegation fears.