Sunderland registered their first victory over Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light with a 2-1 win over their struggling rivals on Saturday.

The Black Cats had not won a match against their arch rivals in more than eight years but things looked promising by the 20th minute when Djibril Cisse put them in the lead. Shola Ameobi ensured that the Magpies went into the second half on level terms by equalizing in the 30th minute before Kieran Richardson scored from a brilliant free kick to wrap up the points with 15 minutes remaining on the clock.

With their rivals struggling in the league, Sunderland dominated the proceedings right from the start as Djibril Cisse and El-Hadji Diouf constantly threatened the Newcastle defense. The hosts took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when Steed Malbranque's shot was prodded home by Cisse at the far post.

While Sunderland scented blood and pressed forward, Newcastle regrouped nicely to get back on level terms 10 minutes later as Ameobi latched on to a brilliant cross from Geremi from the right flank to score his second goal in as many games.

 Ameobi had a great chance to put Newcastle in the lead on the hour mark but failed to convert from close range after Martins had done brilliantly to play in the 27-year old. Cisse went close at the other end for Sunderland before the Black Cats restored their thanks to a brilliant free kick from Richardson.

The former Manchester United winger had a goal disallowed during Sunderland's game against Fulham but there was no controversy this time around as he curled in a superb free kick from the edge of the edge of the area with just 15 minutes remaining on the clock.