Southampton 1 Sunderland 2: Sensational strikes from Carlos Edwards and Grant Leadbitter ensured Sunderland rose to the summit of the Coca-Cola Championship for the first time this season.
Marek Saganowski's sixth goal in four games put the Saints ahead after 67 minutes but the Black Cats showed the resilience that has seen them go on a 15-match unbeaten run as two goals in the final 13 minutes secured a memorable three points.
Edwards has been a revelation following his January transfer from Luton and equalised with a sensational drive from 25 yards that clipped the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
And just as the game looked to be petering out to a draw, substitute Leadbitter crashed home from 25 yards to send the travelling support into raptures.
Defeat for third-placed Birmingham and a draw for Coventry at leaders Derby earlier in the day means Roy Keane's side are now in pole position for a return to the Barclays Premiership at the first attempt.
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