ENGLAND striker Kevin Phillips beat Ipswich Town's new £5m goalkeeper Matteo Sereni from the penalty spot to clinch the points for Sunderland.
Town central defender Titus Bramble needlessly pulled back Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane in the 37th minute and Phillips, Sunderland's leading post-war goalscorer, got off the mark by sending the Italian the wrong way.
Phillips, who helped Sunderland into seventh place last season with 14 Premiership strikes, was a constant threat and might have added to his tally.
Ipswich, however, had their moments and £3m Nigerian striker Finini George missed a glorious chance in the 32nd minute when he headed straigtht at the keeper from eight yards.
Sunderland should have increase their lead when Phillips laid on a great second half chance for £3.6m French international Lilian Laslandes, who miskicked from the edge of the box.
The Wearsiders just about deserved their victory but had to thank keeper Thomas Sorensen for a spectacular 84th minute save from substitute Pablo Counago.
Read more about Sunderland AFC here.
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