CarlingNet - No 1 for Match Reports

Sunderland v Everton 03/05/97 3.00

Sunderland              (1) 3 Everton                 (0) 0 FT
Stewart 36 (pen)              
Waddle 57                     
Johnston 68

Sunderland stormed to victory against Everton to throw themselves an FA Carling Premiership lifeline in the last ever League game at Roker Park.

Everton threatened to ruin an emotional send off at the famous old ground as Peter Reid's side struggled in a nervous opening half hour.

But Sunderland never looked back once Paul Stewart gave them the lead against the run of play with a 34th-minute penalty awarded when Duncan Ferguson handled a Michael Gray cross.

Everton shot themselves in the foot again 12 minutes after the break when Neville Southall carried the ball outside his area and Chris Waddle curled the resulting freekick into the top corner.

Sunderland were rampant now and substitute Allan Johnston ensured there was no way back for Dave Watson's side when he stole in beyond the far post to head home a Waddle cross in the 68th minute.

It was only the second time goal-shy Sunderland had scored three goals in a home game all season they beat Chelsea 3-0 in December and this was a timely boost for their goal difference.

Sunderland's second win in seven games was a fitting way to bring down the curtain at their home of 99 years before the move to a new £45million new stadium.

Everton, who needed at least a point at start of play to guarantee their survival, were left to reflect on a self inflicted defeat.

Reid made one change from the side beaten 1-0 by Southampton with, as expected, Niall Quinn making his first start in seven months.

The Republic of Ireland international, who had made four substitute appearances since recovering from a knee operation, was thrust into the fray in place of Allan Johnston.

Everton caretaker manager Dave Watson made two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at West Ham, recalling Nick Barmby and Terry Phelan in place of youngster Michael Ball and the suspended David Unsworth.

The `Roker Roar' was deafening as Sunderland set off in pursuit of a vital victory but the home fans grew increasingly frustrated as their side, gripped with tension, lost the early initiative.

Everton were quickly into their rhythm and Sunderland were living dangerously as the Merseysiders knocked the ball about with confidence.

Lionel Perez came to Sunderland's rescue in the 25th minute with a reflex save that denied Ferguson. Terry Phelan broke free down the left and his cross to the far post was met by a firm Ferguson header that was heading for the roof of the net until Perez clawed it out from under his crossbar.

The rebound fell to Gary Speed and although Lee Howey blocked his effort the ball broke kindlly to Nick Barmby who volleyed over from 10 yards.

Ferguson worked a neat one-two with Michael Branch only to slice his shot wide and Perez moved quickly off his line to save at Branch's feet as Everton continued to dominate.

But Ferguson was the guilty party when Sunderland took the lead against the run of play in the 34th minute.

Michael Gray hoisted a cross into the box and Ferguson, challenging with Quinn to head clear, handled the ball.

Referee Keith Burge had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and, after Ferguson had been booked for protesting, Stewart stepped up to drive his spotkick into the bottom right corner beyond Neville Southall's despairing dive.

Sunderland were instantly rejuvenated and finished the half on top without creating any more openings.

Reid introduced Johnston in place of Gareth Hall at the start of the second-half and switched Darren Williams to right back.

Waddle delivered a teasing cross from the left flank which found Stewart at the far post but his header lacked power enabling Southall to make a comfortable save.

But Southall was the villain as Everton conceded another self-inflicted goal in the 57th minute which put Sunderland firmly in the driving seat.

The veteran Welsh keeper strayed just outside his penalty area with the ball in his hands before kicking upfield and the referee awarded a freekick.

It looked like the cue for a Waddle special and the former England winger did not disappoint, stepping up to curl a shot over the Everton defensive wall and into the top right corner to spark off wild celebrations.