SCOTTISH international Don Hutchison masterminded Sunderland's 2-1 home win over Derby County and said: "That's the start of the season for us."

It was the 29-year-old Tynesider's best game since his £2.5m close-season transfer from Everton and his first taste of victory in five matches.

Now Hutchison believes that he and his team-mates can start to rise up the Premiership table, even though their next League game is a formidable trip to one of his old clubs, Liverpool.

He said: "It has been a bit frustrating to come into the side and not be in a winning team after the boys beat Arsenal - it is a nice change.

"But it's been a matter of getting to know my new team-mates, and that is not making excuses.

"I think it was my best performance since joining Sunderland - but there is more to come from me. We started slowly but beating Derby was a big win that we needed today."

Hutchison hit the bar twice from free-kicks in either half and he is determined to contribute his share of goals from midfield.

He said: "I'm getting closer. It would be nice to get off the mark.

"We practise free-kicks in training every day and it would be nice if one went in."

Hutchison was delighted to see England international Kevin Phillips, who won European and Premiership golden boot awards last season for his 30 goals, score his first of the season at the Stadium of Light.

"It was a vital goal for Kevin Phillips, especially when you look at the end result.

"It is always good for strikers to get a goal - Kevin Kilbane scored a great goal in the first half and Kevin Phillips got his normal good goal in the second half after a great one-two with Niall Quinn.

"It is important for him to get off to a good start and hopefully he will carry on scoring."

Hutchison revealed that manager Peter Reid had called a team meeting in the build-up to the game and stressed how important it was to end a four-game run without a win.

He said: "The gaffer called us together and said literally that our season started today - and the win was vital.

"We have a hard game at Liverpool next week but we have to be looking to win every home game. Unfortunately we didn't manage to beat West Ham in our last home game, but this result was a big win for us."

Hutchison also hailed the support of the Sunderland fans, adding: "The fans were top drawer. I've noticed since coming here that they have been excellent. They really get behind the lads, which is always a big help."

Derby manager Jim Smith, still looking for his side's first win, was annoyed his players did not take their early opportunities to kill Sunderland off.

"When you are on top like we were you've got to punish people and we didn't," he said.

"We played really well in the first half. We had good goal-scoring situations and their keeper made one very good save, but we never tested him enough."

Sunderland manager Peter Reid admitted: "It was a hairy last few minutes when everyone was on the edge of their seats, but I think we just about deserved the win.

"It is a massive result for us and the three points are important for everyone's confidence."