JASON McAteer, the subject of abuse and jeers from Sunderland fans on Saturday, went from villain to hero last night with a goal to lift the gloom that has enveloped the Stadium of Light for the entire summer.

The midfielder capitalised on good work from Thomas Butler and Kevin Phillips to turn the ball home from close range just 28 seconds into the second half at Elland Road.

It was hardly the greatest strike of McAteer's career and Leeds' inability to mark Sunderland's sole forward, Kevin Phillips, in the build-up to the goal will have angered Terry Venables.

But that did not matter one jot to McAteer and his teammates as they cavorted in the corner of Elland Road allocated to Sunderland's travelling army of fans.

McAteer left the Stadium of Light on Saturday with his chin on his chest, such was his devastation at being the target of particularly virulent jibes during the 1-0 defeat to Everton.

Peter Reid's decision to substitute the midfielder was cheered loudly and McAteer cut a dejected figure as he disappeared into the Wearside evening after the game.

But a typically tireless performance in the centre of Reid's much-criticised five-man midfield was rewarded with the opportunity to give Sunderland their first top-flight win in Leeds since 1934.

Butler's cross found Phillips unmarked 12 yards out, and the striker did wonderfully well in heading the ball into McAteer's path.

With Paul Robinson exposed, the Republic of Ireland international needed just to stab his effort either side of the goalkeeper, and he was able to divert the ball into the bottom corner.

While his players and club's supporters celebrated wildly, Reid sat impassively, arms folded, on the Sunderland dug-out.

It was difficult to ignore the irony of a moment that saw McAteer, the man who took the most flak at the weekend, and Reid feted so soon after they were the target of brickbats.

Sunderland left Elland Road under no illusions about the manner or style of their victory. Just as they were fortunate to lose to Everton, so they rode their luck in a frenetic last 35 minutes last night.

Thomas Sorensen's goal led a charmed life and Michael Gray might have conceded a penalty when he appeared to shove Mark Viduka as the Leeds striker tried to head goalwards.

Matthew Piper, making his full debut in a red and white shirt, chested a Viduka effort off the goal-line following an Ian Harte corner as Sunderland were penned back.

Phil Babb and Joachim Bjorklund were heroic as they blocked a welter of shots, while Viduka directed a header at Sorensen.

But Sunderland and Reid deserved every scrap of luck that went their way last night. They battled for every ball, hustled and harried Leeds out of their stride, and for much of the game looked the equal of their hosts while rarely threatening to score themselves.

Claudio Reyna wasted a glorious chance after 14 minutes when, having seized on an Eirik Bakke error, he shot straight at Robinson.

One 30-yard shot from Phillips that finished as close to the corner flag to the Leeds goal summed up Sunderland's first-half efforts as the England international struggled to cause centre-backs Lucas Radebe and Dominic Matteo even a modicum of discomfort.

But then again, neither did the Sunderland backline have much cause for concern. Leeds' much-vaunted attacking triumvirate of Viduka, Harry Kewell and Alan Smith were comfortably kept at arm's length by the visitors' sturdy back four.

The verve and energy of Robbie Keane might have injected some invention into Leeds' strikeforce, but the one-time Sunderland target - who wants to leave Elland Road before Saturday's transfer deadline - was left on the bench just three days before the transfer deadline.

Keane came on after 54 minutes and immediately Leeds were a different attacking proposition. It was from his cross that the luckless Viduka might have had a spot-kick and he posed Sunderland's overworked defence a host of problems that they struggled to answer.

But the Black Cats would not be cowed. They stood tall throughout, frustrating Leeds - who went into the match with a 100 per cent Premiership record this season - as they strived for an equaliser.

Lee Bowyer shot wide, Smith's effort hit Babb, and Kevin Kyle made a superb headed clearance to a dangerous inswinging free-kick from Harte.

But it was to be Sunderland's night, and three days ahead of Manchester United's visit to the Stadium of Light they enjoyed a much-needed victory that will temporarily silence Reid and McAteer's doubters.

Phillips, who was again given the onerous task of leading the Sunderland line on his own, may receive assistance in the shape of French targetman Pierre-Yves Andre as soon as today.

The 28-year-old, who scored just four league goals for Nantes last season, could move to Wearside after Sunderland and his current team agreed a loan deal worth £400,000 with a view to a permanent £3m transfer.

Willie McKay, Andre's agent, said: "We're just waiting for the player to decide whether to go to Sunderland. He's weighing up offers from two other English clubs, but I fully expect him to move to England."

However, Peter Reid's plans to bring Patrik Berger to the Stadium of Light were dashed last night when the out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder revealed he does not want to leave Anfield.

Berger, who Reid was hoping to sign for £2m, said: "The transfer deadline is on August 31 and I don't intend to go anywhere before that date."

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