SUNDERLAND fans celebrated their first victory of 2002 by giving manager Peter Reid a huge vote of confidence at Pride Park.

After seeing Republic of Ireland striker clinch the points with a match-winning goal ten minutes from time the 3,000 supporters stood as one and chanted: "Peter Reid's Red and White Army" - a clear indication that they are standing firm behind the man who has come in for considerable criticism and abuse during a sorry run of seven games without a win.

The backing delighted Reid, who described the vociferous support of the club's travelling faithful as "awesome" - and said afterwards that it proved the majority of fans were behind him.

Reid said: "Contrary to what's been written in the papers and what's appeared on television only a handful of fans have been vociferous in having a go at me.

"I've got to say that the majority of fans have been like they were today - fantastic.

"It is a bit disconcerting. People can have a go - they have paid their money and they've got the right - but it's got to be kept in perspective.

"The majority of fans are right behind the football club, as they've shown today.

Reid added: "I've been in football a long time and I've had great times as a manager and I've had bad times. When you are a boss you have to take the stick - you get all the accolades when you are doing well, like songs named after you. It's part and parcel of football and as long as it's not offensive it's not a problem.

Reid was clearly a relieved man to end a worrying run which threatened to suck Sunderland into a relegation dog-fight.

He admitted: "They were three great points for us. The lads had been suffering from a little lack of confidence but it is a very bubbly dressing room now.

"It's just important to get points - and I would love to get points in our next game against Newcastle.

"It will be a great game for the fans in the North-East and games don't come any bigger than that one."

Reid went to Derby expecting a tough battle against a team which has been revitalised by new manager John Gregory and Sunderland had to withstand a fierce initial onslaught in which former Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli led his line with tremendous skill and enthusiasm.

But the Wearsiders got better as the game went on, and strikers Kevin Phillips and Quinn both brought finger-tip saves from County's stand-in keeper, Andy Oakes in what has earlier been a one-side first half.

Ravanelli, however, always threatened to be a match winner. He provided the deftest of touches down the left to free Argentinian midfielder Luciano Zavagno, who cracked in a tremendous shot which beat goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen only to come back off the crossbar - and Malcolm Christie's follow-up shot - perhaps taken a little too casually - was cleared off the line by the hard-working United States international Claudio Reyna.

It was an escape which seemed to deflate Derby and inject new life into Sunderland, who started to push forward dangerously, with Phillips hunting eagerly for a chance at goal.

Reyna managed to bundle the ball home in the 79th minute, but the referee had already blown loud and clear for pushing.

But there was no whistle a minute later when the over-lapping Michael Gray whipped over a centre which was deflected by Phillips into the path of Quinn, who grabbed his sixth goal of the season from the corner of the six-yard box.

The goal delighted the travelling fans, who had waited since the 3-0 win at Blackburn on Boxing Day to celebrate a victory - and Reid made no attempt to conceal his delight at his side's change of fortune.

He said: "I doubt if Niall Quinn has scored a more important goal for the football club.

"The woodwork had saved us and Claudio Reyna showed terrific energy to get back and clear off the line - that bit of defending was just as crucial as the goal."

Reid also picked out Jason McAteer, played in an unusual role in the centre of midfield, for special praise, but he was pleased with the overall team effort against opposition he knew would put in a spirited performance after their home victory over Spurs the previous week.

He said: "Results are what it is all about in football. We've got the three points and I've got to say we have a very, very happy dressing room."

Derby, however, must have felt that they had done enough to win a share of the spoils - but Sunderland's luck held when it mattered most.

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