SUNDERLAND 1, LIVERPOOL 1

A HOTLY disputed penalty 12 minutes from time robbed Sunderland of their first home win over Liverpool fror 43 years.

Peter Reid's men looked set to end a run of three Premiership games without a win when Scottish international Don Hutchison - banned for next week's FA Cuptie againsrt West Ham United - signed off with his eighth goal of the season in the 52nd minute, striking a low right foot shot from just inside the area.

Sunderland were well worth their lead in an ill-tempered encounter in which eight players were booked, and tempers spilled over when Slovakian international Stan Varga was judged to have brought down Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister, referee Graham Barber pointing to the penalty spot even though the tackle looked a good yard outside the box.

Liverpool's Finnish international Jari Litmanen, who had come on as a 27th minute substitute for injured England international Emile Heskey, coolly sent goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen the wrong way from the spot.

Liverpool gave Sunderland a late scare when Robbie Fowler forced the ball home in the 86th minute for what he thought was the winner - but the flag was up for offside against him.