ANOTHER rock-bottom away performance left Sunderland's large band of travelling supporters once again despairing at the embarrassing inadequacies of a team still trying to blow a European trumpet.

But while there is plenty of noise the tune is badly off-key and there is little substance behind the wildly-optimistic claims of players who keep letting themselves down so abysmally in front of a faithful following whose loyalty has been sorely tested this season.

After the huge disappointment of a home FA Cup Third Round defeat at the hands of First Division West Brom Sunderland needed an instant pick-me-up - and a trip to Everton, looking back on five consecutive Premier League defeats, did not appear too daunting.

But Sunderland's travel sickness was as bad as ever as a re-jigged side struggled from the start and only showed some resemblance of understanding when the old Route One system was re-installed midway through the second half with the re-introduction of Niall Quinn as the hub of attacking ingenuity.

And it was more down to the uncertainty of the shaky Everton defence than Sunderland's attacking guile which suggested that something might be salvaged in a late onslaught.

But before that Sunderland were simply dreadful, and the inability to pass the ball with any conviction or accuracy, coupled with an infuriating habit to giving away the ball carelessly, gave struggling Everton the type of assistance they gladly accepted.

Certainly the decision to play Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane, who can never be faulted for effort, alongside nine-goal leading scorer Kevin Philips was a complete disaster as neither wingers Julio Arca or Jason McAteer provided any worth-while service.

And it was McAteer, on his return to his native Merseyside, who started the move which led to the match-winning goal when he needlessly lost the ball in his own half to see Everton sweep down the left for Niclas Alexandersson to sweep down the right to lay on a simple headed chance for Jesper Blomqvist in the 27th minute.

But it could have been far worse as striker Kevin Campbell, back after a long-term injury, and Alexandersson has spurned close-range chances against a Sunderland defence which kept springing leaks alarmingly.

And as it became plain that Sunderland could be easily brushed aside - as their atrocious away record suggested - former England man Paul Gascoigne became the tormentor-in-chief.

The Sunderland fans gave the Tynesider the bird at every occasion - they had to have something to occupy their minds - and he revelled in the abuse, winning the ball hungrily and trying to feed it through to his forwards, who were unable to put such excellent service to use.

Gascoigne, such a disappointment in Everton's 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light just before Christmas, made full amends with a Man of the Match performance which was not challenged by any opposition player.

He even won some serious physical challenges against the usually resilient Gavin McCann, who did not have a happy return to his former club and it was left to youngster Paul Thirlwell to provide what accuracy there was in a dismal first half.

The replacement of a tired-looking Arca by speedy French winger David Bellion at half time brough some improvement, but it was not until the appearance of Quinn, who came on for the ineffective McAteer, that Sunderland final instilled some suggestion of attacking understanding into their game.

At first Quinn fell victim to some rather harsh refereeing decisions from David Elleray, but he continued to menace the earlier unruffled central defensive partnership of Alan Stubbs and David Weir, and Everton started to appear uncomfortable.

Sunderland came within an ace of snatching an equaliser in the 82nd minute when Quinn chested the ball down for Phillips to turn quickly and send a low, right foot shot just wide from inside the box - a very close call.

And after dragging a disappointing right-foot shot wide from the edge of the box Phillips again went close with an 87th minute header across the face of goal which Stubbs hoofed to safety.

It was all-or-nothing from Sunderland, and they were almost caught out in the last minute when Gary Naysmith broke clear but Sorensen managed to block his low shot with a great save.

At least Naysmith's effort was on target, however, for despite their late pressure Sunderland had never managed to trouble Everton keeper Steve Simonsen with a shot at goal.

All in all it was as bad as it's been for Sunderland all season - and sadly there are no indications of any improvement.

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