Sunderland will be hoping to record their third consecutive win tomorrow when they tackle Ipswich Town.

The Black Cats have enjoyed a prosperous festive period so far, pipping Everton 1-0 on Saturday and then routing Blackburn 3-0 on Boxing Day.

Peter Reid's Wearsiders had two-goal hero Niall Quinn to thank for their latest success at Ewood Park.

And in light of the season so far, the towering Irishman remains the man most likely to lever Sunderland out of their current mid-table mire.

Quinns first-half brace helped double the Black Cats' away goal tally to six as they crushed Rovers.

His goals, along with substitute Kevin Kilbanes 89th-minute effort, came as a welcome relief to Reid, who has watched his side gradually slip down the table largely because of their inabilities in front of goal.

Reid said: "I was very pleased with the way we went about it, and we built on a solid performance against Everton.

"Definitely, I've been pleased with the way we've defended this season and with a few more goals we would be further up the table.

"Obviously Niall did the business again with his couple of goals, and it's great to get three away from home."

Sunderland - who have finished seventh in the last two seasons - are ninth in the table after a less than convincing start to the Premiership campaign.

Kevin Phillips' goals have dried up and so far the former Ipswich target has managed only eight, including one in the Worthington Cup.

He was on target earlier this month, though, with a vital late winner against West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Before Boxing Day, Sunderland had only won once on their travels this season, a 2-0 success at Bolton.

Their home form has been more impressive with wins over Blackburn (1-0), Leeds (2-0), West Ham and now Everton.

The Black Cats also brought the curtain up on their season with a home win, beating Ipswich 1-0.

In the corresponding game last season, the Blues beat Sunderland 1-0 at Portman Road. Titus Bramble was on target in only the third game of the campaign.

Published Friday December 28, 2001