Sunderland leave it late to snatch victory over rivals Newcastle

Adam Johnson scored a dramatic injury-time winner as Sunderland beat North East rivals in a feisty Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.

The win is Sunderland’s fourth straight win over their fierce rivals and the third successive win for Sunderland manager Gustavo Poyet.

The game was edging towards a stalemate up until Adam Johnson finished off a fast counter-attack in the final minute of normal time. Sunderland broke at speed from one end of the pitch before substitute Will Buckley teed up boyhood Newcastle fan Adam Johnson, who rifled in the late winner past Newcatle custodian Jak Alnwick.

The goal came minutes after Sunderland goalkeeper made a terrific save to pip Moussa Sissoko’s shot over the bar as the game appeared to be heading towards a draw.

The game had been a thrilling affair with eight yellow cards – four for each sides – brandished in a derby game that saw Lee Cattermole clock up the game’s first foul inside 12 seconds, and Sunderland teammate Sebastian Coates pick up the game’s first booking after just three minutes for a late lunge on Perez.

The first half’s key chances fell to Sunderland’s Connor Wickham, who had two shots well saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper.  His strike partner, Steven Fletcher, also came close to opening the score when his brilliant volley cannoned off the bar.

The visitors continued to create the best chances throughout the match and on 54 minutes Jordi Gomez failed to hit the target when he fired over from inside the box. The hosts had local Newcastle hero Steven Taylor to thank when his vital goal line interception managed to prevent Steven Fletcher from nodding in Wichkam’s cross at the far post.

Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Paintilimon was in inspired form, keeping out several efforts from the lively Ayoze Perez and tipping over a late effort from Mousa Sissoko, whose ferocious shot was destined to the top right corner.

Substitute Adam Armstrong also had a low shot saved by the Sunderland custodian after the lively Moussa Sissoko put him through.

However, with the game destined for a stalemate, Johnson made up for an earlier miss as he capped out a fine counter-attack to seal Sunderland another famous victory over their fierce rivals and break Newcastle's hearts.

The match also saw both sets of fans unite in paying tribute to two Newcastle fans who died on flight MH17 which was shot down over Ukraine earlier this year. Both sets of supporters applauded in the 17th minute, while Newcastle fans then applauded Sunderland on 33 minutes to mark the £33,000 raised by Sunderland fans for the victims of MH17.