Last-gasp Campbell strike denies Sunderland

BIRMINGHAM substitute DJ Campbell rescued a precious point for Steve Bruce’s side with a last-gasp equaliser in the Coca-Cola Championship clash at St Andrews.

The former warehouse worker – whose two goals for Brentford knocked the Wearsiders out of last season’s FA Cup – broke Sunderland’s hearts again when he converted Rowan Vine’s centre in the 90th minute.

It was rough justice on the Black Cats, who had looked to have secured victory thanks to Carlos Edwards’ third goal since his move from Luton last month.

Sunderland totally dominated the opening 45 minutes with skipper Dean Whitehead and Dwight Yorke bossing the midfield and the pace of guile of Edwards and Anthony Stokes on the flanks causing constant problems for the home side.

City improved dramatically in the second 45 minutes but the best opportunities still fell to the visitors until Campbell came off the bench to level matters.

Sunderland oozed confidence from the first whistle after a run of 19 points from the previous seven games and dictated in all departments.

David Connolly curled a free-kick over the Blues crossbar before going close twice in the space of 60 seconds.

Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle did well to turn a low 15-yard drive from Connolly around the post and then the former West Ham player hammered his volley into the ground and over the bar from a Stokes centre.

Former Blues striker Dwight Yorke fired a low effort straight at Doyle as Keane’s side continued to look more likely to break the deadlock.

It was no surprise when that scenario finally happened after 27 minutes with Edwards’ stunning strike.

The winger moved inside and beat the despairing dive of Doyle with a 30-yard shot which flew into the roof of the net.

The home side started to show more effort and desire and a cross from Larsson was deflected goalwards but blocked by Nosworthy.

Sunderland still posed a threat with Doyle tipping over an effort from Stokes, who then had another attempt saved by the Birmingham keeper.

But then Campbell delighted the home fans with his late, late show.

BIRMINGHAM: Doyle, N’Gotty (Campbell 83), Jaidi, Martin Taylor, Sadler, Larsson, Muamba (Danns 75), Clemence, McSheffrey, Bendtner (Vine 75), Jerome.

SUNDERLAND: Fulop, Simpson (Liam Miller 57), Evans, Nosworthy, Collins, Edwards, Whitehead, Yorke, Stokes (Leadbitter 85), John (Hysen 64), Connolly.

Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire).