Sunderland assured their place in the Premiership for the next season with a brilliant performance in the 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday that puts them seven points clear of the relegation zone with just two games remaining.

Sanli Tuncay had given Boro an early lead in the 4th minute but Sunderland equalized two minutes later through Danny Higginbotham. The Black Cats went into the break with a 2-1 lead after Michael Chopra gave them the lead on the stroke of half time but Boro fought back in the second half to equalize through Afonso Alves before Daryl Murphy grabbed the winner for Sunderland in the final minute of the match.

Boro were off to a perfect start in the Wear-Tees derby as they took a 4th minute lead when Tuncay latched on to a great pass by Alves before slotting the ball past Craig Gordon. Sunderland hit back immediately to equalize two minutes later as Higginbotham headed home a perfect cross by Danny Collins from the right flank.

Both the sides had some good chances to take the lead but were unable to convert them. With the half time whistle just seconds away, Chopra gave Sunderland a much deserved lead, beating off the challenge from David Wheater before driving the ball past Brad Jones.

Middlesbrough pressed forward in the second half in search of an equalizer and were rewarded for their efforts in the 73rd minute when Alves was the first to reach Julio Arca's deflected shot and the Brazilian striker made no mistake from close range.

With time running out it looked as if the game was headed towards a draw but Murphy, who replaced Chopra in the 85th minute, had other intentions as he headed home Grant Leadbitter's corner to take his side to its first win in three matches.