MEMORABILIA guaranteed to lift the gloom over Wearside since Sunderland's footballing demotion went under the hammer last night.

The National Glass Centre, in Sunderland, staged a charity football auction to mark the culmination of its Legends of '73 exhibition.

The 30th anniversary of the 1973 FA Cup success over Leeds United by Bob Stokoe's Second Division underdogs was marked with the colourful display of souvenirs and memorabilia, donated by players and fans.

Many of the items on display have also been donated for the auction, taking place in the centre's Throwingstones restaurant.

They included a rare glass plate made by former Sunderland glass company Hartley Woods, signed by the entire team of 1973.

Other items up for auction were a glass replica of the boot of Ian Porterfield, who scored the winning goal of the game, a limited edition signed montage of the team, a signed 1973 strip, a large framed print of goalkeeper Jim Montgomery's memorable double-save, plus five large monochrome posters covering all the highlights of the final.

A late edition to the sale list was an engraved vase featuring the signature of 1990s Sunderland fans' favourite Kevin Ball, now a member of manager Mick McCarthy's coaching team at the Stadium of Light.

The former skipper engraved the vase on a recent visit to the centre to add his glass footprint to a display of former Sunderland greats, including the entire team of 1973.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the European Services for People with Autism and the Stroke and Dyphasic Support Fund.