RICKY SBRAGIA predicted Djibril Cisse’s winning goal against Hull City will spark a “purple patch” for one of the most colourful characters in North-East football.

After a blank spell of seven appearances without finding the back of the net, the forward on loan from Marseille could have added a brace of goals to his second half headed strike that helped push the Black Cats four points clear of the Premier League bottom three.

Cisse has rarely been out of the headlines since moving to Wearside in August and was booked for his extravagant celebration on Saturday. But Sbragia was delighted to see the striker’s hard-working display rewarded with a goal that arrested his side’s run of four consecutive defeats While the likes of Middlesbrough and Newcastle struggle in front of goal, the Sunderland boss hopes Cisse and strike partner Kenwyne Jones have rediscovered their form at just the right time.

Cisse’s future on Wearside remains uncertain. But if he can end the season with a late flurry of goals it will provide a timely boost to both Sunderland’s chances of avoiding the drop and his prospects of securing a long-term contract.

“Kenwyne got the goal last week and we said to Djib (Cisse) it would just be a matter of time before he got one too,” noted Sbragia.

“Persevere, keep working and it’ll come for you. He could go through a purple patch now. In general he was excellent on Saturday.

“He indicated he wanted to come off with ten minutes to go because he had a slight injury, but I just asked him to stay on for me and keep working and he’s done that. He’s been rewarded with a goal as well.”

Sbragia has now backed a late charge up the scoring charts for his strike force.

“The front two are a handful when they’re on their game. Kenwyne was good as well and won a lot of balls in the air,’’ he said.

“There was a lot at stake. We tried to shield it from the players, but it was important we got the three points. We’ve now got a huge game to prepare for against West Brom.’’

■ The final deadline for supporters wishing to take advantage of Sunderland’s season ticket price cuts for the 2009-10 season is approaching. Fans have until 5pm tomorrow to secure a reduced price season ticket. After this time season tickets will not be on sale again until the end of the season, when prices will increase.

Chairman Niall Quinn said: “I’m so heartened by the response and truly grateful to everyone who has taken the leap of faith and backed us for the new season.

“With over 25,000 supporters committed for next season already we’re well ahead of where we were at this stage last season and we’ve got a great base to build on for the summer.”

Season ticket application forms are available to download from www.safc.com, by calling 0871 911 1973 or from the Stadium of Light ticket office, which will be open today and tomorrow from 10am to 5.30pm.

Sunderland’s reserves will look to complete a league and cup double this week when they play Derby County in the final of the totesportcasino.com League Cup. The final takes place tomorrow at Pride Park in Derby (7pm).