SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy last night backed his side to overturn a one-goal deficit in order to reach the First Division play-off final, arguing that a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace does not represent a terminal blow to the club's promotion dreams.

The Black Cats will start at a disadvantage when Palace visit the Stadium of Light on Monday after twice squandering a good position in the opening leg.

Marcus Stewart's penalty gave Sunderland the lead at the start of the second half and, while Neil Shipperley and Danny Butterfield turned the game on its head, McCarthy's side looked to have gained the upper hand when Kevin Kyle scored five minutes from time.

But Andy Johnson's late winner changed all that, and Sunderland will now need to win on Monday to have any chance of reaching Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on May 29.

"There's still everything to play for," argued McCarthy, whose only previous play-off campaign ended with his Millwall side going out to Derby at the semi-final stage.

"At 3-2, the game is set up to be an exciting one. I wonder if one goal will be enough for them - we will find out on Monday.

"I'm not disappointed to be going back with a one-goal deficit. But I am disappointed with the goals we have conceded.

"A lot of people think that it's over. It is a win for Palace, a good win. But if we had been coming home with a 1-0 defeat, I think we would have taken that. Monday will be a different game - I'm sure it will be tense."

Eagles boss Iain Dowie must now decide whether to adopt an adventurous approach on Wearside, knowing a draw will be enough to take Palace to within 90 minutes of the Premiership.

"It's poised," said McCarthy. "Does he (Dowie) come to defend? Does he try to catch us on the break? I have no idea, but I will know after a couple of minutes on Monday."

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