Five Sunderland heroes who shone at St James' Park before derby day | OneFootball

Tyne-Wear derbies have minted Sunderland heroes. With Regis Le Bris' side at Newcastle on Sunday, we revisit five Black Cats who left their mark at St James' Park.

Sunderland Echo highlights defining displays that still resonate with supporters.

In February 1979, Gary Rowell hit a hat-trick in a 4-1 Division Two win. He struck after six minutes and completed his treble from the spot after the hour. Rowell, who died in December aged 68, cemented his legend.

On 16 May 1990, after a goalless first leg, Eric Gates put Sunderland ahead in the play-off semi-final. Five minutes from time Marco Gabbiadini finished a one-two with Gates to seal it. They lost the final but were later promoted after Swindon were punished for financial irregularities.

In November 2000, Don Hutchison sparked a Premier League turnaround. After Gary Speed’s early strike, Hutchison levelled midway through the second half and Niall Quinn won it with 15 minutes left, securing back-to-back wins at St James’ for the first time since 1933.

April 2013 under Paolo Di Canio ended a six-game winless derby run. Stephane Sessegnon struck first, Adam Johnson added a second, then David Vaughan whipped a left-foot shot from outside the box into the top corner past substitute goalkeeper Rob Elliot.

In 2013-14, on-loan Fabio Borini scored in both derbies. After a 2-1 Wearside win in October, he opened the scoring from the spot in February after Vurnon Anita fouled Phil Bardsley, before Adam Johnson and Jack Colback sealed a 3-0 victory. He scored 10 that season, then returned to Liverpool, rejoining Sunderland a year later.

Source: Sunderland Echo