CHARLTON ATHLETIC 0 SUNDERLAND 1

SCOTTISH B international Alex Rae erased nightmare memories of a controversial dismissal on his last visit to The Valley three seasons ago by scoring Sunderland's winner in the first top flight clash between the sides for 44 years.

The former Millwall midfielder broke the deadlock in a dour game with a tremendous 25-yard left foot shot in the 57th minute to claim his first goal of the season.

England international Kevin Phillips saw his unhappy run without a goal stretch to six games. But he had a great chance a minute before half time when Charlton keeper Dean Kiely pushed a shot from winger Kevin Kilbane against the bar and the little striker fired the rebound across the face of goal from only a couple of yards out.

Earlier Phillips showed a rare burst of speed to break into the penalty area, but a great interception by central defender Richard Rufus prevented him from getting in a shot.

The victory ended a run of 22 top flight games in London without a win for Sunderland and was their second consecutive away victory after the 2-1 success at Newcastle last week.