Five Sunderland players who shone at St James’ Park ahead of the Newcastle United derby | OneFootball

From a Newcastle-supporting scorer to a steely Leazes End celebration, Tyne-Wear derbies have minted Sunderland cult heroes. Sunderland Echo picks five who shone at St James’ Park as Regis Le Bris’ side visit on Sunday.

In February 1979 Gary Rowell hit a hat-trick in a 4-1 win. He scored after six minutes and before the half-hour, John Connolly replied just after the break, then Rowell netted a penalty soon after the hour. Wayne Entwistle made it 4-1 10 minutes later.

On 16 May 1990 Marco Gabbiadini settled a play-off semi after a goalless first leg. Eric Gates struck early, then with five minutes left Gabbiadini exchanged passes with Gates and slid in the decider. Sunderland reached Wembley, lost to Swindon, yet went up after Town’s sanctions.

In November 2000 Don Hutchison, a boyhood Toon fan, sparked a Premier League comeback. After Gary Speed’s early opener, he levelled midway through the second half and Niall Quinn won it 15 minutes from time. It completed back-to-back away wins there for the first time since 1933.

In April 2013, under Paolo Di Canio, David Vaughan capped a drought-ending derby win. Stephane Sessegnon struck before the half-hour and Adam Johnson added a late second. Vaughan curled a left-footer from just outside the box into the top right past substitute Rob Elliot.

In February 2014 Fabio Borini scored a penalty at St James’ Park after Vurnon Anita fouled Phil Bardsley. Adam Johnson doubled the lead and, 10 minutes from time, Jack Colback sealed a 3-0 win for Gus Poyet’s side. Borini finished with 10 goals including one at Wembley, returned to Liverpool, then rejoined a year later.

Source: Sunderland Echo