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Sunderland win away at last
22/03/2008 20:36 - (SA)
Birmingham - Michael Chopra's late winner gave Sunderland their first away Premier League win of the season as they dented Aston Villa's push for European football with a 1-0 victory.
Just when it looked as if both sides would have to settle for a point that would not be of much use to either of them, Chopra latched on to a pass from Kieran Richardson and beat Scott Carson to the delight of the visiting supporters at Villa Park on Saturday.
Roy Keane's side might not have had to wait so long for a win which out them four points clear of the relegation zone had Roy O'Donovan been on target before Chopra's strike sealed victory.
The result was a testament to Sunderland's resolved after they suffered the setback before kick-off of striker Kenwyne Jones's withdrawal due to illness.
Norway striker John Carew nearly put Villa ahead in the fifth minute with a dramatic overhead kick which went wide of the post with Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon rooted to the spot.
But Sunderland soon got into the game with shaky England goalkeeper Carson giving the Black Cats cause for encouragement.
Indeed Carson was fortunate not to be sent-off by referee Howard Webb after appearing to handle outside the area in the 23rd minute after dropping a through-all.
Carew, the main attacking weapon for Martin O'Neill's side, almost opened the scoring again four minutes before the break when Gordon, following a poor clearance, redeemed himself by saving from the forward's shot on the turn.
O'Neill brought on Marlon Harewood for midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker in the 57th minute and the striker nearly rewarded his boss soon afterwards when, having outmuscled Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy, he shot narrowly wide.
But Sunderland were still creating chances of their own and finally made one count when former Manchester United midfielder Richardson's speculative ball dropped behind Zat Knight and Chopra sprinted clear before beating Carson.
There was still time for Villa to equalise and they nearly claimed a point through Gabriel Agbonlahor who burst into the box only to see his shot blocked by Gordon's legs.
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