HIGH-flyers Sunderland regained the leadership of the FA Premier Reserve League after beating arch rivals Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light last night.

Two goals in as many minutes early in the first half put the home side firmly in control, but when Pablo Bonvin reduced the deficit, a tense struggle developed before Michael Proctor put the issue beyond doubt in injury time.

Goalkeeper John Karelse saved superbly from Chris Lumsdon but was powerless to prevent the Sunderland midfielder from opening the scoring in the 16th minute after a left-wing corner from Brendan McGill had only been partially cleared.

Two minutes later George McCartney, who made his FA Cup debut against West Ham on Saturday, took advantage of further disarray in the Newcastle defence to increase the lead.

But Bonvin converted a right wing centre from Stuart Green in the 27th minute and both Stephen Glass and Lomana Lua Lua were guilty of squandering glorious chances in the next two minutes.

Proctor hit the visitors' post on the stroke of half-time but Newcastle had the better chances in the second half and did enought to force an equaliser.

Lua Lua finally beat the offside trap in the 74th minute only for substitute goalkeeper Michael Ingham to make an important save and Lua Lua was again left frustrated when the young keeper pulled off another outstanding save in the closing stages.

Proctor was finally rewarded for his honest endeavour when he cut in from the left and from an acute angled fired past Karelse.

l Dave Bassett has revealed that he has withdrawn from the running for the vacant manager's job at Queens Park Rangers.

The former Wimbledon, Sheffield United and Barnsley boss believes the move to Loftus Road would not be right for him.

It leaves the field open to a supposed short-list of Graham Rix, Iain Dowie, Steve Coppell, and Ian Holloway to take up the post when Gerry Francis steps aside after tomorrow's game at Gillingham.

Whoever does succeed Francis will find a troubled club only just outside the First Division relegation zone, with financial problems and question marks over the future as owner Chris Wright is also stepping down.

Bassett told internet site planetfootball.com: ''I met with the directors last Tuesday and had a convivial meeting.

''But the talks were inconclusive and I've thought about the decision since and decided to withdraw from the position.