HACKWATCH: Lads 2 Burnley 1

THE OBSERVER

This was a keenly fought game with good football from both sides. Sunderland, without playing at their best, won because they had more fire-power.

Michael Bridges was a constant menace - He laid on Sunderland's first goal with a touch of magic.

Burnley played well enough but lacked any sting in attack, giving Thomas Myhre a quiet afternoon.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Brian Jensen in the Clarets' goal had pulled off three fine saves in the first half-hour to keep the Wearsiders at bay but Julio Arca broke the deadlock after 35 minutes when Michael Bridges fashioning the chance.

Sunderland immediately switched off and left Graham Branch unmarked a minute later to coolly equalise.

the hosts dominated the second period.

FOOTBALL ECHO

...a hard-fought Championship win over a stubborn Burnley side.

The Clarets stiffled a lacklustre Sunderland in the opening half hour before the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute.

Sunderland dominated the second half, although Burnley had their chances.

SUNDAY TIMES

Cotterill couldn’t even count on Robbie Blake as his careless ball helped to provide Sunderland Julio Arca with the opening goal.

Bridges — with only his second goal in four-and-a-half injury-blighted years — sealed victory seven minutes into the second half. Bridges was also the provider for Arca after Blake’s wayward ball travelled straight to the Geordie forward.

Times player ratings: Myhre 7, Wright 7, Breen 7, Collins 6, McCartney 6, Lawrence 8, Whitehead 6, Robinson 6, Arca 7 (Whitley 82min, 5), Bridges 7 (Elliott 73min, 5), Brown 7 (Stewart 73min, 5)