EMPTY seats around the Stadium of Light are an unusual sight - and no-one could pretend the stay-away fans missed anything special.

For a game between two of the Premiership's top five clubs this was a dour disappointment, badly lacking in the finer skills, and it could by no stretch of the imagination be described as a rousing Cup tie.

But it did produce, once again, a hard-fought victory - Sunderland's trademark these days - which carried the Wearsiders through to the fifth round for the first time in nine years and sparked hopes of a good run after so many abrupt FA Cup sorties during Peter Reid's six years in charge.

Supporters, I fear, are yet to be convinced of Sunderland's top-of-the table credentials and too often they troop away from a magnificent stadium with a feeling of frustration.

Certainly Sunderland fans in the 33,626 crowd paid their cash and expected much more from a tie against a side which was thumped 4-1 on New Year's Day.

Ipswich thoughts may also have been on a different target as they prepare to meet Birmingham City in the second leg of the Worthington Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

But hopes of a cracking Cup tie, or even a display of adventurous, entertaining football, were soon dispelled as the teams locked horns and did little to justify their lofty League positions.

Sunderland deserved to go through because they produced a decisive finish through stand-in striker Danny Dichio, who completed a rare build-up of high quality with a diving header in the 23rd minute.

But Ipswich proved poor opposition, wasting a trio of excellent first half opportunities as their top marksman, Marcus Stewart, failed to provide the cutting edge which has reaped 17 goals this season.

His opposite number, Kevin Phillips, who has 14 strikes to his credit, looked much more of a live-wire until he failed to reappear for the second half.

He was allowed to sit out the rest of the game because he "felt heavy-legged" - a seemingly generous concession from a manager whose team only had a one-goal cushion.

But Reid, no doubt thinking of the arduous task ahead against Manchester United, was happy to rest his big guns, choosing to switch the versatile Scottish international Don Hutchison alongside Dichio rather than bring on Niall Quinn from the bench. The change was effective, if not productive, as Sunderland did enough in the second half to preserve their advantage.

Reid was rich in his praise for Dichio, who had marked his first Premiership start for Sunderland by scoring against Ipswich at the beginning of the month and might have had a couple in the first Cup tie between the clubs.

He said: "I thought Danny Dichio overall was superb - on top of his his hold-up play and his flick-ons he shut them down.

"I thought he was outstanding. He and Don Hutchison were our best players. I was absolutely made up he got the winner."

All Sunderland fans are not certain Dichio can be regarded as an eventual replacement for Quinn, whose troublesome back injury is making life difficult.

But Reid has no doubts that Dichio is always ready and able to answer the call.

He said: "I think some people have been slightly uncomplimentary about Danny. I have always thought he has been under-rated.

"Because Niall Quinn is such a good player, Danny has not had a run in the side and it has been difficult for the kid.

"The last time he was in against Ipswich he was different class again so he is one that I think is a great asset to us."

Dichio could find himself in the firing line more and more as the season progresses if Quinn is unable to shake off his injury.

Reid said: "I have had a chat with Niall and with games coming thick and fast I think to be fair to him he sometimes needs a rest.

"But I have every confidence in Dichio to come in and do a job. The squad system is important now. I have to take care of certain players at certain times."

Dichio continues to produce enigmatic performances. Against Ipswich he scored with a brilliant header, but proceeded to miss a much easier chance from six yards.

Ipswich did not produce the type of finishing which has won them six away games this season and Stewart, who has equalled the club record by scoring in seven consecutive matches, should have stretched his run in the 16th minute when he failed to beat Thomas Sorensen.

Three minutes later former Middlesbrough striker Alun Armstrong should have put the visitors in front after he broke clear, but he didn't finish well.

When Dichio scored the home fans must have expected the floodgates to open, but when he missed the chance to kill off Ipswich a couple of minutes later the game developed into a dour series of exchanges, with Ipswich never really looking worth an equaliser, despite one or two uncomfortable moments.

The absence of Phillips after the break weakened Sunderland's fire-power, but to be fair to Hutchison, who switched from a wide-right position, he kept the attacking play flowing and laid on a great chance for Dichio in the 65th minute, only for the big striker to hurry his shot wide from 16 yards.

Reid joked: "This is a long Cup run for me, don't worry about that. I've had a nightmare before.

"But it's great to go through and I think the fans generated a really good atmosphere. The way the two sides went about it I think it shows everbody what the FA Cup means."

l Peter Reid, whose contract expires at the end of this season, has been linked with Spanish club Valencia.

Tabloid reports yesterday suggested that Valencia have short-listed Reid to replace Hector Cuper, who is reputed to earn £2m a year.

Cuper, a 45-year-old Argentinian, has rejected a new contract and could join Italian giants Inter Milan.

Last season there was speculation that Blackburn Rovers were prepared to make Reid a huge offer to take over at Ewood Park but the 44-year-old Merseysider stayed loyal