DARREN WILLIAMS is hoping that history repeats itself when Sunderland take on Crystal Palace for a place in the First Division play-off final tonight, writes Scott Wilson.

Williams is the sole survivor from the Black Cats' last appearance in the play-offs some six years ago.

And, with Mick McCarthy's side needing to overhaul a one-goal deficit at the Stadium of Light following Friday's 3-2 defeat at Selhurst Park, the overall picture is eerily similar to that of 1998.

On that occasion, Sunderland were also a goal down going into the second leg of their semi-final against Sheffield United following a 2-1 reverse at Bramall Lane.

But a Nicky Marker own goal, and a clinical winner from Kevin Phillips, earned the Black Cats a 2-0 win that took them to Wembley.

"It's like the last play-off tie I was involved in here," said Williams, who will start at right-back this evening in the continued absence of the injured Stephen Wright.

"It's half-time, we're a goal down and the game certainly isn't over. We did it against Sheffield United and we can do it again - especially with the crowd behind us.

"The ball's in our court. We proved on Friday that we can score against them and we've got to make sure we don't concede.

"We've got what is potentially a very exciting game. Hopefully we can fill out that stadium because it will make a huge difference.

"It was a good atmosphere at Selhurst Park, but the second leg is likely to be better and they won't fancy that. I hope that everybody who supports Sunderland Football Club will try to be there and help us through."

Sunderland could have been in an even better position this evening had they not allowed Andy Johnson to fire home an 87th-minute winner on Friday night. Kevin Kyle had only just hauled Sunderland level with a crisp drive when Johnson was given space in the box to fire across Mart Poom and into the bottom corner.

The Estonian should probably have done better with the strike and, while Williams does not blame Poom for the goal, he admits it was a considerable blow at the time.

He said: "We were disappointed to come away a goal down but I don't think the one-goal advantage will be good enough for them.

"We were disappointed to let them nick it at the end. I think the shot took a slight deflection, it moved and put Poom off. It bounced in front of him and was an awful ball to deal with.

"But we played some good stuff, created a lot of chances and we can be optimistic going into the second leg despite conceding that goal.

"The mood was a bit mixed in the dressing room afterwards. On the one hand we were disappointed not to come away with a draw, but on the other we're still very much in it.

"We've got to be upbeat because the game is so close. If we drop our heads, it won't give us much of a chance."

McCarthy has no new injury problems ahead of this evening's crucial second leg, with club captain Jason McAteer likely to hold down his place in the starting line-up despite being substituted at half-time on Friday.

The Republic of Ireland international was making his first appearance for a fortnight following a minor groin problem, but McCarthy insisted his early substitution was more to do with the yellow card he picked up before the break than any lingering injury doubts.

"Jason hasn't played much," said the Black Cats boss. "He has only just come back. Knowing the character he is, he wanted to be out there winning tackles and the last thing I needed was to be down to ten men. His yellow card helped me make the decision to replace him."

* Sunderland fans will be able to pay on the gate for tonight's game. The club had sold in the region of 31,000 tickets for the semi-final decider yesterday afternoon with more sales anticipated today. The Stadium of Light box office will open at 10am this morning and tickets will be on sale right up to kick-off. But there will also be cash turnstiles in operation this evening with fans able to pay on the gate in order to gain access.

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