Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has praised the atmosphere that the club's fans created in the Tyne-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Jermain Defoe's first-half volley gave the Black Cats a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United, which was Advocaat's first win since taking charge.
The Dutchman says that the Sunderland supporters played their part in the win which moves them up to 15th in the Premier League table.
"We had to win. We were under a lot of pressure but the fans were special," Advocaat told the Shields Gazette.
"The fans were amazing in the supportive way they treated us getting off the team bus and I think the players felt that too.
"It's a fantastic derby atmosphere and I knew if we could get those fans behind us we would have a great chance – they take no prisoners."
Sunderland have now won their last five meetings with Newcastle.
Written by
Steven Toplis
Steven Toplis
