With new Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio celebrating with gusto as each goal went in, the Black Cats thrashed North East rivals Newcastle 3 - 0 at St James Park.

The result lifts Di Canio's side up to 15th, three clear of the drop, while Newcastle are just two points above them.

It was Stephan Sessegnon who gave Sunderland the lead with a 25 yard strike midway through the first-half.

Sunderland's second goal also came from long distance with Adam Johnson cutting in from the right wing and smashing home from outside the box.

The third also came from outside the area as midfielder David Vaughn directed a ball past Tim Krul and into the top corner.