Sunderland beat local rivals Middlesbrough 3-2 in a Monday night thriller to move to within three points of the Championship`s automatic promotion places.
Ryan Giles` unfortunate own goal settled the Tees-Wear derby in favour of the visitors and dealt a blow to Boro`s push for the playoffs.
Delano Burgzorg gave the home side the perfect start after 11 minutes with cool finish from Hayden Hackney`s pass.
Dan Neil`s deflected equaliser levelled before half-time for Sunderland, who then went in front Wilson Isidor rounded Mark Travers to slot home.
Hackney responded once more for Michael Carrick`s men with a blistering strike on the hour mark.
But Sunderland secured their first league double over Middlesbrough in 63 years when Giles turned Enzo Le Fee`s cross into his own net.
The Black Cats remain in fourth but move level on points with third-placed Burnley and within striking distance of Sheffield United in second.
Defeat leaves seventh-placed Boro still outside the playoffs on goal difference.
Comment :