Reyna rallies Sunderland

Reyna is congratulated on the first of his two goals

Sunderland 2-1 Leicester
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Claudio Reyna eased Sunderland's relegation worries with a first-half double strike and hastened Leicester's descent into the Nationwide League.

The American midfielder struck with two superb long-range efforts inside the opening 17 minutes to lift Peter Reid's side six points above the bottom three.

Paul Dickov replied for the Foxes and almost salvaged a point as the home side were made to hang on for a priceless victory.

  Key moments:

3 mins: Reyna opens scoring

8 mins: Dickov equalises

17 mins: Reyna restores S'land lead

42 mins: Reyna volley hits post

65 mins: Walker saves from Phillips

76 mins: Sorensen saves from Dickov

A dismal run of just two wins from 14 games had seen Sunderland slide to within three points of the relegation zone before the start of play.

But they received a pre-match fillip when top scorer Kevin Philips was passed fit after shaking off an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal on Saturday.

And the Black Cats got off to the perfect start in the third minute when Reyna found space 20 yards out to rifle a left-foot shot into the top corner.

But Leicester, who arrived at the Stadium of Light buoyed by their first win in 17 matches, over Blackburn, were quickly level.

I don't think we're safe yet. We need a few more points

Peter Reid

Referee Neale Barry awarded Leicester a controversial free-kick after eight minutes against the advice of his assistant, and Stefan Oakes' delivery was met powerfully by Scotland centre-half Matt Elliott.

His header already appeared to have crossed the line after initially being tipped onto a post by Thomas Sorensen, but Dickov made sure by bundling the ball over the line.

Dickov squandered an opportunity to put the Foxes in front and Philips, without a goal in five games, had an effort saved before Sunderland regained the lead in the 17th minute.

Reid was desperate for victory

Muzzy Izzet brought down Phillips on the edge of the Leicester area, and Reyna stepped up to dispatch the free-kick into the top corner past a flailing Ian Walker.

It was the first time Sunderland had managed two goals at home since mid-November, and they might have had a third after 35 minutes.

Kevin Kilbane intercepted Frank Sinclair's poor pass and raced past Lee Marshall before firing in a shot that Walker parried away.

While there's hope, we'll just keep going

Foxes boss Dave Bassett

Then Walker denied a superb Phillips effort, while Reyna was unfortunate not to complete a first-half hat-trick as his 42nd minute volley smashed against a post.

The home side continued to stretch the Foxes in the second half, Jason McAteer seeing a 25-yarder saved before Walker's heroics again denied Phillips in the 65th minute.

But Leicester ensured some nail-biting moments as they sought an equaliser, Sorensen denying Dickov with an excellent stop 14 minutes from time.

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Sunderland: Sorensen, Gray, Craddock, Bjorklund, Williams, Kilbane, Reyna (Thirlwell 85), McCann, McAteer, Phillips, Quinn.
Subs Not Used: Macho, McCartney, Butler, Mboma.
Booked: Williams, Gray, Kilbane.

Leicester: Walker, Sinclair, Rowett, Elliott, Marshall, Reeves (Stevenson 73), Savage, Izzet (Ashton 29), Oakes (Piper 61), Deane, Dickov.
Subs Not Used: Price, Heath.
Booked: Dickov, Deane.

Att: 44,950

Referee: N Barry (Scunthorpe).