NEW SIGNING Claudio Reyna marked his home debut with the match-winning goal for Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light.

The United States captain, a £4.5m capture from Glasgow Rangers, broke the deadlock in the 77th minute from close range after his first shot had been beaten away by the goalkeeper, Steve Simonsen.

The goal was the highlight of a lack-lustre game which looked very much like ending up goal-less for the first time in 31 years on Wearside as both teams struggled during intermittent snow flurries.

Sunderland keeper Thomas Sorensen made two important saves just before half time and Sunderland's best finish before the all-important goal was a fierce drive early in the second half from England striker Kevin Phillips, which Simonsen managed to parry.

But it was hardy festive fare on a bitterly cold afternoon, though Sunderland fans in the 48,013 crowd went home happy enough.