Wilko insists relegation not inevitable

Howard Wilkinson insisted relegation is not inevitable for Sunderland despite the side slipping to the bottom of the Premiership for the first time this season.

A freak game including two own goals by Sunderland players in the first half saw Charlton win 3-1 which, with West Brom beating Manchester City, condemned Wilkinson’s side to the bottom of the pile.

Wilkinson pointed to Sunderland’s improved second-half performance – inspired by some sustained cheering by the home fans – as being a sign the side may have ended their inability to perform well at the Stadium of Light.

He said: “I don’t accept the inevitability of relegation. I genuinely think we will get out of it.

“It was a disappointing result but there were some important positives out of the match. At least we have got rid of this playing at the Stadium of Light problem.”

The first goal came when Charlton skipper Mark Fish shot and the ball took deflections off both Tore Andre Flo and Stephen Wright before bobbling over the line.

Fish’s shot was at least on target and the South African is claiming the goal, but there was no doubt that the next two goals which followed within seven minutes were self-inflicted.

Michael Proctor was the unlucky player on both occasions. First Thomas Sorensen saved from Chris Powell and the ball rebounded off Proctor’s boot and in. Four minutes later Claus Jensen’s corner came off his back and flew past Sorensen.

Wilkinson said the Sunderland fans could have a huge part to play for the rest of the season.

He added: “For the first time since I arrived I have really started to see what people meant when they talked about the Sunderland fans.

“In the second half, helped by the fans and despite the bad luck, we didn’t capitulate.”

Kevin Phillips’ penalty gave the supporters something concrete to cheer about but Charlton boss Alan Curbishley said the first goal had been decisive.

“We came into this game knowing the pressure Sunderland were under and we knew the first goal would be all-important,” said Curbishley.

“How the match turned out was uncanny. Mark Fish will be claiming the first goal as his – at least his shot was goal-bound.”

Charlton are now established in the top half of the Premiership but Curbishley rejected any ambitions of Europe.

He added: “Our run has been fantastic – we have had nine wins, five draws and three defeats. If you are winning and feeling confident results seem to come your way.”