SUNDERLAND'S European hopes nose-dived at the Stadium of Light as they squandered a two-goal lead against Spurs.

The Londoners looked a very poor side indeed in an oipening first half when they were carved open at will by Peter Reid's men, who went into the lead in the third minute through Irish winger Kevin Kilbane before Niall Quinn marked his return to the starting line-up with his seventh goal of the season in the 13th minute.

Spurs hadn't managed a shot at goal in the first half but new manager Glenn Hoddle came up with some answers at half time as the Londoners looked a trasnformed side.

Spurs suddenly started to play and midfielder Stephen Clemence grabbed a goal back in the 53rd minute after a lovely build up on the right.

Sunderland seemed shaken by the fight-back and Spurs striker Gary Doherty put his side level in the 75th minute with a cool finish from just inside the box. Sunderland looked as though they would settle for a draw, but Doherty took advantage of a terrible defensive mix-up in front of goal to side-foot an unlikely winner two minutes from time.

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