SUNDERLAND twice pegged back Middlesbrough in muscular fashion last night in the Wear and Tees derby, despite having their key defender Richard Ord sent off for violent conduct after 58 minutes.
Middlesbrough's goals were taken in emphatic style by two of their international brigade, Emerson and Fabrizio Ravanelli, while Peter Reid's more homespun flag was kept aloft by equalisers from Alex Rae, from the spot, and Craig Russell.
Reid's game plan was to pack midfield with five players to restrict Middlesbrough's talented internationals. It was an exercise in pragmatism which was undermined by one of the Brazilian trio, Emerson, after only nine minutes when his crunching challenge forced the unfortunate Steve Agnew to be replaced by the more attack minded Craig Russell.
Sunderland started strongly but were clearly affected by the lengthy stoppage for Agnew to be carried from the field. Emerson took advantage of a half hearted clearance from Andy Melville to rifle his right foot shot high above a flailing Tony Coton.
Middlesbrough's Phil Whelan could count himself desperately unlucky to be punished for a tame penalty box push on Stewart. Graham Poll pointed to the spot and up stepped Rae.
Only smart work from Coton prevented Emerson from adding a second goal but Nick Barmby's resulting corner led to a protracted spell of head tennis - with the ball falling kindly at Ravanelli's feet. He astutely rammed a six yard shot in.
Sunderland's tireless skipper Kevin Ball took up the challenge after Ord's sending off, sending an inch perfect cross to the far post, where Russell was on hand to claim his first goal of the season.
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