JITTERY Sunderland even had the scoreboard operator pressing the wrong buttons - Derby striker Deon Burton was briefly credited with a goal for a shot which struck the side netting.

But it all worked out in the end as Peter Reid's men weathered an early storm to sweep away the dark clouds with their first win in five games, much to the relief of the home fans in the 45,343 crowd.

Sunderland needed the victory pretty badly after a poor run following the elation of beating Arsenal against the run of play in the opening game of the season and the sense of relief was obvious when the final whistle blew.

Now the Wearsiders must build on the win and prove to Premiership observers that their heady seventh placing last season wasn't a fluke.

So far, however, Sunderland have done nothing to justify optimism among their followers that the current campaign will bring even greater success.

A spate of injuries has not helped the cause, but even Reid admits his disappointment with previous performances this season.

The display against Derby, to be honest, wasn't much better. But Sunderland are much more comfortable when they are playing with the partisan influence of the crowd behind them, and the fans undoubtedly played a big part in this victory as they refused to allow Derby's early superiority to dull their enthusiasm and encouragement.

The patience of the supporters was sorely tested, however, and it took an inspirational 40th minute strike by Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane to lift the home spirits.

Earlier Sunderland were unconvincing against a Derby side which arrived without a win in their previous five games.

Striker Dean Burton blasted a warning in the 11th minute with a shot which whistled inches above the angle, and less than a minute later Thomas Sorensen, back in the team after injury, had to make a superb, one-handed save to prevent exciting newcomer Malcolm Christie adding to his rapidly-growing reputation.

With Italian skipper Stefano Eranio and tricky Georgian international Georgi Kinkladze urging them on it looked only a matter of time before Derby broke through.

The whole stadium thought it had happened in the 34th minute when Burton smacked in a 12-yard volley - but the ball hit the side netting and travelled behind. It was a close enough call to signal a goal on the electronic scoreboard, though the error was hastily removed.

Sunderland's stuttering start was forgotten amid the elation of Kilbane's thrilling first goal of the season. A day before his Irish teammate, Niall Quinn, had said that Kilbane was "a moment away from greatness", and the winger must have read the script.

He advanced towards the Derby goal, shrugged off his marker, and left goalkeeper Mart Poom helpless with a searing left foot shot which curled into the top left hand corner of the net from the edge of the box.

It was just the filip Sunderland needed and there was an immediate improvement with man of the match Don Hutchison almost claiming a second in first-half stoppage time with a 20-yard free-kick which came back off the bar.

Sunderland, roared on by a more confident crowd, were much more effective in the second-half, though Sorensen again had to be at his best to deny Christie.

It needed a second goal to afford Sunderland further breathing space, and ace striker Kevin Phillips provided it in the 74th minute, holding off a challenge from Steve Elliott to finish a one-two with Quinn with a cool right-foot shot.

That should have been the end of Derby - but Jim Smith's men, who have earned a reputation this season for rescuing lost causes, refused to throw in the towel.

A totally unnecessary back-pass from Kilbane in the 82nd minute bounced between defenders Michael Gray and Emerson Thome for Christie to grab a well-taken goal under pressure 20 yards out.

It gave Derby new heart and hopes of salvaging a point - but despite a couple of close calls Sunderland managed to hold out.

l Sunderland's England Under-21 international Darren Williams has come off the transfer list to sign a new five-year contract.

The 23-year-old Teessider had a written request for a transfer granted in the summer after being unhappy about not being able to command a regular first team place.

But the versatile former York City player has now tied himself to the Wearside club until 2005, extending his previous contract by two years.

Goals: Kilbane (40 mins, 1-0); Phillips (74, 2-0); Christie (82, 2-1).

Bookings: Gray, Johnson, Hutchison, Sturridge, Christie (all fouls).

Attendance: 45,343.

Referee: Paul Taylor (Cheshunt, Herts).

Sunderland (4-4-2): Sorensen 7; Makin 6, Craddock 7, Thome 6, Gray 6; Kilbane 7, Williams 6, HUTCHISON 8, Arca 7; Phillips 6, Quinn 6. Subs (not used): Macho, Holloway, Roy, Oster, Thirlwell.

Derby County (3-5-2): Poom 6; Elliott 6 (Morris 76 mins), Carbonari 7, Bragstad 6; Eranio 7 (Murray 64 mins, 6), Kinkladze 7 (Sturridge 63 mins, 6), Valakari 6, Johnson 6; Burton 6, CHRISTIE 8. Subs (not used): Schnoor, Grant.

Man of the Match

Don Hutchison - best game yet for Sunderland.

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