SUNDERLAND 2 SOUTHAMPTON 2

A GOAL two minutes from time by Southampton central defender Dean Richards denied Sunderland a hat-trick of home victories.

Peter Reid's men looked to to have clinched victory when Scottish international Don Hutchison scored his fourth goal in three games in the 80th minute.

But Saints' substitute Hassan Kachloul hoisted over a corner from the left for Richards to power home a header which struck Sunderland skipper Michael Gray before crossing the line.

Southampton shocked Sunderland with a superb goal in the 12th minute from striker James Beattie, who unleashed a fantastic 40-yard right foot shot which goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen could only help into the roof of the net.

The Wearsiders equalised through Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn in the 23rd minute and the Saints goal had a charmed life for the rest of the first half.

But Southampton wasted glorious second half chances and Norwegian midfielder Jo Tessem squandered a wonderful opportunity of snatching a winner in the second minute of stoppage time after breaking clear.