Kevin Phillips' first goal in eight games blasted Sunderland into the Worthington Cup quarter-finals as they came from behind to see off 10-man Manchester United 2-1 in extra time. The winner came from the penalty spot after the England striker had been hauled down by defender John O'Shea in an explosive conclusion to a hard-fought battle.
Dwight Yorke had given the visitors a 31st-minute lead with a well-taken goal, but Julio Arca headed home the equaliser 15 minutes from time to put his side right back in the game.
Yorke departed the scene soon afterwards when he was red-carded for a rash challenge on Emerson Thome - he now faces a three-match ban - and the stage was set for Phillips to grab the headlines.
In tonight’s two other Worthington Cup clashes Ipswich beat Premiership rivals Coventry 2-1 at Portman Road, while the all-First Division match at Selhurst Park Crystal Palace beat last year’s finalists Tranmere Rovers 6-5 on penalties, after the tie finish goalless in extra-time.
Filed by Seán Folan
