A fortunate first-half goal from Paul Thirlwell stole the points for Sunderland in the FA Premier Reserve League Tyne-Wear derby at Kingston Park last night.

Thirlwell challenged Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper in the 27th minute as they went for Tom Peeters' chip and Harper's block ricocheted off him into the net from 15 yards.

The goal came against the run of first half play. James Coppinger, celebrating signing a new three-year deal at St James', hit the post and Brian Kerr fired against the bar either side of the goal.

Coppinger had another great chance just before half-time when a wayward defensive pass from Craig James left him with only Andy Marriott to beat, but the Sunderland keeper dived bravely at his feet to save.

Pacy Honduran Milton Nunez caused Newcastle problems before limping off ten minutes into the second half. Just before departing Nunez destroyed Gary Caldwell with an incredible burst of pace and a laid a chance on a plate for Daniele Dichio, but his shot was well blocked by Harper.

Nicky Summerbee, controversially banished to the reserves, escaped punishment after an incident which left Andy Griffin on the floor. And the clearly unhappy winger was substituted by coach Ricky Sbragia 17 minutes from time.

In front of a 3,200 crowd the Wearsiders should have doubled their lead in the 83rd minute after substitute Neil Wainwright raced clear on to Dichio's clever reverse pass, but after rounding Harper he lifted his final shot against the top of the bar from 12 yards.

Newcastle: Harper, Griffin, Serrant, Hamilton, S Caldwell, G Caldwell, Gavilan (Gall 75), McClen (McGuffie 60), Coppinger, Ameobi, Kerr. Subs (not used): Boyd, Orr, Chopra.

Sunderland: Marriott, Maley, James (Clark 45), Byrne, Williams, Thirlwell, Summerbee (McGill 73), Peeters, Dichio, Nunez (Wainwright 55), Oster. Subs (not used): Kennedy, Butler.

l Tottenham hero Sol Campbell stormed forward to grab the winning goal against West Ham last night which keeps his team breathing down the necks of the Premiership pacesetters.

The England defender showed his teammates the way to beat Shaka Hislop with a powerful second-half header which proved enough to settle a frenzied London derby.

Defeat for Harry Redknapp's team leaves the Eastenders still searching for their first win of the season and they will look back to rue a clutch of first-half chances which went begging. A fine performance from Neil Sullivan had kept Spurs in the hunt. He produced a string of vital saves during a breathless opening.