Quinn's late strike stuns Rams

Bjorklund (right) in flying form for Sunderland

Derby 0-1 Sunderland
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Niall Quinn grabbed a late winner as Sunderland claimed three vital points in the bottom-of-the-table clash with Derby at Pride Park.

In his 200th game for his club, Quinn smashed home the ball from six yards with 10 minutes remaining to give his manager Peter Reid a welcome victory.

It was a first win in eight matches for Reid's men as they lifted themselves to 11th in the Premiership.

  Key incidents

18 mins: Rob Lee shoots straight at Thomas Sorensen

24 mins: Ravanelli blasts the ball just wide

59 Mins: Zavagno hits the bar and Christie's shot is cleared off the line

78 mins: Reyna's goal is disallowed

80 mins: Quinn scores the winner from close range

The second half was a huge improvement after a quiet start - but it will be small consolation for Derby's new boss John Gregory as his side remain rooted second from bottom.

There was little to cheer about in the opening 45 minutes.

Derby proved more of an attacking force, with Malcolm Christie in particular impressing.

After 18 minutes Derby debutant Robert Lee drilled a shot from the left but it was comfortably saved by Thomas Sorensen.

The overseas connection of Pierre Ducrocq and Fabrizio Ravanelli provided the best opportunity of the half for the Rams.

There has been a lack of confidence with the players and that should do them the world of good

Peter Reid

Frenchman Ducrocq - on loan from Paris St Germaine - won the ball in midfield and played a clever ball through to Christie.

The England Under-21 striker spun cleverly and laid the ball to the Italian Ravanelli, whose fierce drive flew just wide of the right side of the goal.

Sunderland came to life after the interval and it was Andy Oakes who denied them the lead with a fine one-handed save.

Kevin Phillips picked up the ball from Bernt Haas and his 30-yard right-foot drive was touched over the bar by the keeper.

Derby came agonisingly close to grabbing the opener just before the hour.

They worked hard, but we didn't have that little bit of quality to turn a solid performance into a winning performance

John Gregory

Luciano Zavagno blasted the ball from the left side of the penalty area against the bar and Christie followed up, only to see Claudio Reyna make the clearance from the line.

Sunderland hit back and after 78 minutes Reyna forced the ball into the back of the net - but Graham Poll ruled it out for a foul.

But Sunderland only had to wait another two minutes as the delighted travelling fans witnessed Quinn crashing home the winner.

No-one will be as relieved as Reid.

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Derby: Oakes, Barton, Riggott, Higginbotham, Zavagno, Powell (Boertien 54), Lee, Ducrocq, Morris (Burton 77), Ravanelli, Christie.
Subs Not Used: O'Neil, Kinkladze, Grant.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Haas, Bjorklund (Williams 75), Craddock, Gray, McAteer, Reyna, Schwarz, Arca (Bellion 79), Quinn (Kyle 86), Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Macho, Kilbane.
Booked: Phillips.

Att: 31,771

Ref: G Poll (Tring).