Sunderland gave their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost on Sunday with a 1-0 victory at home to local rivals Newcastle United.
The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half time when Jermain Defoe found the top corner with a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area.
Despite some pressure from Newcastle towards the end of the game, the Black Cats were deserved winners come the final whistle.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how all of the action unfolded at the Stadium of Light.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's huge clash in the North East as Sunderland host Newcastle United in the Wear-Tyne derby. The Black Cats will be looking to pick up some important points in their battle for Premier League survival, while Newcastle will be desperate to end their run of four consecutive defeats to their local rivals. Today also sees new Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat take charge at the Stadium of Light for the first time. Team news will be through shortly.
SUNDERLAND: Pantilimon; Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea, Vergini; Cattermole, Gomez, Larsson, Fletcher, Wickham; Defoe
SUNDERLAND SUBS: Bridcutt, Johnson, Reveillere, Graham, Coates, Buckley, Mannone
After losing his first game in charge at West Ham United before the international break, Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat makes three changes for today's clash as Santiago Vergini, Billy Jones and Lee Cattermole all come in. There were doubts as to whether Cattermole would be recalled to the starting lineup due to his hot-headed nature, but Advocaat has given the combative midfielder a starting role.
NEWCASTLE: Krul; R Taylor, Janmaat, Williamson; Colback, Sissoko, Gutierrez, Gouffran, Ameobi; Cabella, Perez
NEWCASTLE SUBS: Elliot, Anita, Abeid, Kemen, Obertan, Riviere, Armstrong
Newcastle boss John Carver has made just the one change following his side's 2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal last time out, with Jonas Gutierrez replacing Vurnon Anita in midfield. Anita is joined by the likes of Gabriel Obertan and Emmanuel Riviere on the bench for the visitors.
Dick Advocaat: "At the beginning when I arrived, I talked to them about nine finals, and that's the way it is. The second final is Newcastle and I think we have to think about it in that way. It's a very important game to show them what we can do, and if we can get the result we want, it will give them a lift again."
John Carver: "In the last four games, Sunderland have outworked us and that's not a good stat to have. I'll be making sure that doesn't happen again and will be using a whip to make sure we don't get outworked. We need to do enough to give ourselves a chance to win the game. We need to do the same as we did against Arsenal a fortnight ago in terms of work-rate as they were the highest since I've been back at the club."
As alluded to by John Carver below, Newcastle have lost their last four games against Sunderland. They've never been beaten five consecutive times by their nearest and dearest, and it sounds as if Carver has drilled it into his players to give everything this afternoon. However, you have to say that there is more at stake for the hosts, who are battling for their lives at the wrong end of the table. Will the Black Cats be that little bit hungrier today?
UPDATE! Today's early kickoff in the Premier League has just ended at Turf Moor, where Tottenham Hotspur have been held to a goalless draw by Burnley. Considering the wins for Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers yesterday, that stalemate is not too bad a result from a Sunderland perspective. They are now above the drop zone by virtue of goal difference, though a three-goal defeat today would see them fall into the bottom three.
While Sunderland still have more than a chance of avoiding relegation, their form has been dismal since the turn of the year. The Wearsiders are currently on a seven-game winless run, while they have picked up just one victory in their previous 13 matches. They managed to pull off a miraculous escape last season, but there is no doubting that a huge improvement in form is needed if they want to secure their top-flight status again this time around.
Sunderland are actually at the bottom of the Premier League form table, but Newcastle are only two places above them thanks to three defeats in a row. The Magpies have slipped down to 13th position in the official standings in recent weeks, taking just one win from their last seven games.
Got a few minutes to spare before kickoff? Why not check out our video preview of today's derby:
HEAD TO HEAD: Despite Sunderland's recent dominance in this fixture, it's actually Newcastle who have the better record overall. The Magpies have earned 51 wins against their local rivals, while the Black Cats have triumphed 46 times. Meanwhile, a total of 44 draws have been played out between the pair.
Newcastle have in fact failed to beat Sunderland in their last six encounters. The Tynesiders last triumph came back in August 2012 as Ryan Taylor's free kick earned the visitors the spoils at the Stadium of Light. Meanwhile, this season's clash at St James' Park ended 1-0 to Sunderland, thanks to Adam Johnson's late strike.
This match also throws up an interesting contrast in the dugout as Dick Advocaat meets John Carver for the first time. Advocaat is new to English football, though he will probably be aware of the importance of this game. However, Carver is a North-East man born and bred, so he will be extra keen to put one over on Sunderland.
A big loss for Newcastle this afternoon will be suspended captain Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentine defender knows all about what is needed in these matches, and his experience is sure to be missed by the Magpies.
UPDATE! You can take a look at our match report of Tottenham's goalless draw away to Burnley here. Just make sure that you come back. Kickoff is just over 10 minutes away.
The Stadium of Light is really filling up now as we edge towards kickoff. We can expect plenty of noise from both sets of fans, who are regarded as some of the most passionate in the country.
Not long to go now as the players start to emerge in the tunnel. John O'Shea will lead out Sunderland, while Moussa Sissoko captains Newcastle in place of the banned Coloccini.
The teams walk onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light and the noise is absolutely tremendous!
KICKOFF! Both teams are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be hosts Sunderland to get this Wear-Tyne derby underway. Here we go!
It's been a very lively start to the game, with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent early on. Sunderland win themselves a corner that's eventually cleared before Newcastle go up the other end, only for the counter-attack to break down as Sissoko is dispossessed.
Newcastle are trying to take a bit of the sting out of things by passing the ball around patiently in their own half. However, Sunderland are doing a good job of chasing and keeping the pressure on. It's probably going to be a long afternoon for Jack Colback, who is being roundly booed by the Sunderland supporters following his summer move to Newcastle.
CHANCE! Sunderland come close to making the breakthrough as a corner from the left is met by Jones at the back post, but his cross back into the mix is deflected over. The second set piece comes to nothing as Newcastle get rid of the danger. The hosts have looked the more likely to score so far.
Dick Advocaat is out of his seat, protesting to the referee a challenge from Ameobi on Jones. The Newcastle man looked like he went in with a high boot there, though there was nothing malicious in it. Sunderland then win a free kick up the other end that Gomez hits straight into the grateful hands of Krul.
The intensity has dropped ever so slightly in the last few minutes, though you wouldn't really know it. Sunderland are continuing to do the majority of the pressing, limiting Newcastle to the occasional counter-attack. Perez isn't getting much support up front for the Magpies, which may be a concern to manager John Carver.
Gomez has played an important role for the hosts so far. The midfielder is pulling a lot of the strings and has been their main source of creativity. However, for all of Sunderland's dominance, they've not really done a great deal to trouble Krul.
Newcastle need to be really focused at the back at the moment as Sunderland keep the pressure on them. The Magpies have barely been out of their own half, truth be told. The home side win a corner out on the left following good work by Fletcher, but Wickham can only nod wide at the back post.
Half an opening for Sunderland as Jones's cross from the right is blocked, but the hosts end up winning a corner. Gomez whips a dangerous ball into the box from the right, only for Krul to punch clear.
Sunderland are trying hard to make this an entertaining derby, but the same can't be said of Newcastle. The Magpies have been poor so far. They've shown very little desire to get forward. They finally do enjoy some play in the Sunderland half as Taylor's free kick from the left is cleared before Gouffran hits a wild volley over the bar.
John Carver is down on the touchline giving instructions to his stand-in captain Sissoko. One can only presume that the Newcastle boss is eager for his players to show a bit more dynamism. The Magpies have been very nervy during the last 20 minutes or so.
Newcastle finally show a bit of life as Cabella dances past a couple of defenders on the right before seeing his cross hacked away by O'Shea. That should bring some encouragement to the visitors.
SCRAMBLE! Chaos reigns in the Newcastle penalty area as the visitors fail to clear a cross. The ball bobbles around, but no-one can get a foot on it. However, the Magpies eventually hoof the ball upfield.
Newcastle are suddenly looking a lot more confident. This is probably their best spell of the match. They're starting to force Sunderland back and are enjoying much more possession. That said, Sunderland show what they are capable of in attack as Defoe leads a break, but the Newcastle defence handles the danger by conceding a corner which comes to nothing.
YELLOW CARD! The first booking of the afternoon goes to Sunderland defender Vergini, who is rightly cautioned after holding the shirt of Perez just as the Newcastle forward was looking to get away.
YELLOW CARD! Another booking follows just a couple of minutes later as Newcastle's Taylor gets a yellow card for a robust tackle on Van Aanholt.
CHANCE! Sunderland have a glorious chance to take the lead as Wickham breaks down the right, but his cross for Fletcher is atrocious and Newcastle clear. The youngster needed to show much more composure than he did there. A simple ball across the face of goal would have given his teammate a great opportunity to shoot past Krul.
GOAL! SUNDERLAND 1-0 NEWCASTLE (DEFOE)
What an amazing goal from Jermain Defoe to give Sunderland the lead! That is sensational! A long ball upfield is headed down, and the veteran striker hits a stunning volley into the top corner from 25 yards. That came from absolutely nowhere.
HALF TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 NEWCASTLE
Just a matter of seconds after that goal, referee Mike Dean blows the half-time whistle. What an end to the opening 45 minutes for Sunderland - and they deserved that. The hosts have been the better team so far and have looked much more hungrier for the win that their opponents.
While the home side have been lively, Newcastle have looked nervy and sluggish. John Carver's team just haven't managed to get going. They've had one or two moments in and around the Sunderland box, but they've not done anywhere near enough to worry their opponents.
It was quite a reaction from Defoe after the goal. The striker walked down the tunnel with tears welling up in his eyes. That just goes to show the kind of emotions surrounding this game.
What do Newcastle need to do to improve in the second half? They've been overwhelmed so far, but any joy they've had has come from Cabella down the right. John Carver could well be telling his players to get it to the French winger more and to offer Perez more support up front. If they continue to play like they have done, this game is only going to end one way.
UPDATE! Today's early in the Premier League ended 0-0 at Turf Moor between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur. You can read our match report here.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are out for the second half and it will be Newcastle to kick us off. No changes from either of the managers during the interval.
Newcastle have started the second half very positively, but it's Sunderland who almost double their lead as Defoe wins possessions before floating a ball to Fletcher at the back post. The Scot tries his luck with an acrobatic volley, only for his scuffed effort to fall into the hands of Krul.
Cabella tries a strike from a similar distance to Defoe's goal, but the Frenchman's effort is a poor one that drags wide of the goal. Sunderland then break through Fletcher, who tries to cross for Wickham. However, the youngster just can get to the ball in time.
Good goalkeeping from Krul there as he does well to catch Larsson's inswinging corner. Sunderland are still on top in this game, but there's a much better flow about it now. Newcastle haven't posed a massive threat in the final third, though they've certainly been much better than they were during the first half.
NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors make their first change of the afternoon as Gouffran is replaced by Emmanuel Riviere.
Sunderland are starting to crank up the pressure a bit more now, much as they did for the majority of the first half. Newcastle have reverted back to their nervy selves. Meanwhile, Gomez gets himself into the book for a late challenge on Janmaat. The midfielder can have no complaints with that decision from Mike Dean.
YELLOW CARD! Now former Sunderland favourite Colback gets book for a foul, much to the delight of the home fans.
YELLOW CARD! The booking continue to come as Van Aanholt is cautioned for a foul on Taylor. The two players have words following the incident, but it's nothing too aggressive.
John Carver is down on the touchline trying to urge his players on, but it's not having that much of an effect. Newcastle are still struggling to match Sunderland in terms of energy and a basic desire to make something happen in attack. The visitors have just over 20 minutes to get themselves back into this game, though it's difficult to see how they're going to do that at the moment.
CHANCES! Sunderland threaten to wrap up the points as Defoe sets Van Aanholt free down the left, but the Dutchman's fierce half-volley goes narrowly wide of the goal. Defore is in the thick of the action again as he plays Fletcher in on the other side, only for the Scot to shoot over having worked himself some space.
You get the feeling that this is going to be a scrappy final 20 minutes. Both sides are struggling to keep hold of the ball, while there are plenty of petty fouls being committed. Sunderland still lead thanks to that superb goal from Jermain Defoe on the stroke of half time.
CHANCE! Sunderland go close once more as Larsson lines up a free kick from all of 30 yards. The Swede strikes the ball sweetly, but it goes inches wide of the post. Krul looked to be struggling to get across there.
YELLOW CARD! Another name goes into the book now as Wickham is given a yellow card for chopping down Gutierrez. The resulting free kick is pumped upfield before Riviere forces a rare save from Pantilimon as he tries to find the far corner from 20 yards. That was a good stop from the Sunderland goalkeeper.
SUNDERLAND SUB: The hosts mix things up as Defoe goes off to a huge ovation to be replaced by Adam Johnson.
YELLOW CARD! Larsson now goes into the book after pulling back Riviere. The Swede, who will miss his side's next two games, only has himself to blame there because he gave the ball away in the build-up.
CHANCE! Newcastle are just about hanging on in there as Sunderland push forward again. Van Aanholt makes a run down the left before picking out Larsson, but the midfielder's effort from 10 yards is deflected behind for a corner. Sunderland almost have some joy from the resulting set piece, only for Krul to keep out Vergini's header at the near post.
NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors change things up again as local lad Adam Armstrong enters the action in place of Sammy Ameobi.
CHANCE! Newcastle almost snatch themselves an equaliser as a corner from the right is flicked on at the near post, but Perez can only volley over from about eight yards. What a let-off for the hosts. The look on the striker's face says it all. He knows he should have buried that.
Newcastle have been poor this afternoon, but they're suddenly throwing everything at Sunderland. It's going to be a nervy end to this match. There will be at least FIVE MINUTES of added time...
It's all Newcastle as we head into the final three minutes of stoppage time, which is remarkable considering hos lacklustre they've been today. Sunderland are getting everyone back in a bid to keep out the Magpies.
Sunderland are doing all that they can to run the clock down, including winning free kicks when they can. It looks as if the Black Cats have done just about enough to see this through.
FULL TIME: SUNDERLAND 1-0 NEWCASTLE
The Stadium of Light erupts as Mike Dean blows the final whistle! Sunderland have made it five consecutive wins over their local rivals thanks to an absolutely stunning goal from Jermain Defoe at the end of the first half. The Black Cats are deserved winners in the end, while Newcastle can have no complaints with coming away with nothing. What a result that is for Sunderland's survival hopes as well. That puts them three points clear of the drop zone.
That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's derby, but you can keep up to date with all of the post-match reaction right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!
