Larsson late goal gives O’Neill first victory

Martin O’Neill’s first match as Sunderland manager ended in a stoppage-time victory as Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick sealed a 2-1 come from behind win over fellow Premier League strugglers Blackburn Rovers. There were only six minutes of normal time left when David Vaughan’s powerful shot flew past former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to draw Sunderland level in front of their own fans at the Stadium of Light here on Sunday. And just when it seemed the hosts would have to settle for a draw, Rovers conceded a free-kick and Larsson curled a shot around the defensive wall that flew in at Robinson’s near post. Victory meant Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone while Rovers remained in the bottom three. The win was only the third league success Sunderland had enjoyed so far thus season. Simon Vukcevic opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he headed in after Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood could only parry Christopher Samba’s shot.