ALL the talk in Sunderland pre-match was of new beginnings and a new hope, but brilliant Bolton put paid to the Black Cats' survival hopes with a win that could be vital to their own chances in the end-of-season relegation shake-up.

Sam Allardyce's side made light of the boisterous atmosphere that accompanied Mick McCarthy's first game to dominate for long periods and pick up an invaluable three points courtesy of second half strikes from, Jay-Jay Okocha and the returning Henrik Pedersen.

And although home keeper Thomas Sorenson won't enjoy watching the video of the Trotters' opener it was only his heroics which prevented the new regime from suffering a defeat every bit as embarrassing as those suffered by the old guard.

Bolton pressure

A crowd of more than 42,000 expected a fast start from Sunderland, but Bolton's containing tactics kept them in check, with striker Kevin Phillips a virtual spectator to the midfield battle.

And it was Bolton who forced the first opening when livewire fullback Bernard Mendy cut in and forced an excellent save on 17 minutes.

Sunderland were all huff and puff, but no quality and their only chances of the first half were a tame Tore Andre Flo poke and an equally uninspiring shot from Darren Williams.

Ivan Campo's flowing locks met a Youri Djorkaeff corner on the stroke of half time, but, with his curls acting as a cushion, his header lacked the power to beat Michael Gray on the line.

Gray might have wished the game ended at half time as in the space of five minutes he went from hero to zero ' succumbing to a piece of Okocha skill on the flank and then watching as the Nigerian fired in a shot that deflected in off Sorensen.

Slick passing

And on 55 minutes Bolton sealed the points with the best move of the match. Per Frandsen showed he's learnt off Djorkaeff on the training ground by dummying a pass and though the on-rushing Mendy's shot was saved Pedersen calmly slotted home for his sixth of the season.

Sunderland refused to cave in, but despite bringing on an extra striker in Kevin Kyle the task of scoring twice in half an hour was always going to be too much for side who have scored just 19 all campaign.

How important a win was this? Have your say.

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