SUNDERLAND started the new year in style by celebrating a 2-0 win over Preston which included a first goal scored by one of the club’s strikers this season.

After playmaker Alex Pritchard had got the scoring under way at the Stadium of Light with his own first goal of the campaign in the 10th minute, the second arrived through Ukrainian Nazariy Rusyn just before the break.

It was the goal Wearside had waited for all season — a goal from a front man — and he was given a standing ovation when he was replaced with 12 minutes left.