Sunderland have secured their first win under new manager Paolo di Canio, beating local rivals Newcastle United 3-0 in the Tyne-Wear derby in the Premier League.
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Despite a strong start by the home side, it was Sunderland who broke the deadlock courtesy of a 27th-minute strike from Stephane Sessegnon.
The Magpies had a good chance to level within a minute of their local rivals taking the lead, but Simon Mignolet was able to stop two Papiss Cisse strikes to keep the visitors ahead.
Sunderland could have doubled their lead towards the end of the first half, but a solid stop from Tim Krul kept Carlos Cuellar's header out.
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The first half ended with the hosts bearing down on their opponents' goal, but a foul on Mignolet ended the threat.
Manager Alan Pardew was forced to make a change shortly after the restart, as Krul sustained an injury after landed awkwardly on his shoulder, which saw Rob Elliot come off the bench to replace the Dutchman.
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Cisse thought that he had found the equaliser for Newcastle in the 61st minute when he headed the ball into the Black Cats' goal, but the assistant referee judged the striker to be in an offside position.
Following a series of chances for both sides, it was Di Canio's men who got the second goal of the game, as Adam Johnson curled the ball in from the edge of the penalty area.
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The visitors extended their lead further 10 minutes later, as David Vaughan blasted the ball past Elliot, putting the result beyond doubt.
The win lifts Sunderland up to 15th in the Premier League table, while Newcastle remain 13th.
Sian Cowper
