Steve Bruce can breathe a sigh of relief after watching his Sunderland side record a first league victory since November of last year, with a 4-0 win over fellow strugglers Bolton.
The faltering Black Cats, without a win in 14 Premier League games but now six points clear of the relegation places, got a nerve-settling start to the match when Frazier Campbell got on the end of a Lorik Cana cross to send a controlled volley past Jussi Jaaskelainen. Johan Elmander went close to an immediate reply with an effort at the other end just minutes later however, to remind Sunderland of the need for concentration.
The Trotters would remain dangerous as the half wore on, but yet it was Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones who’d go closest to further goals in the 23rd and 36th minute, and also full back Alan Hutton on the stroke of half-time.
The high tempo continued after the break, with Bolton dominating for long spells and Sunderland looking nervy at the back. However, it was the home side who scored next, Lee Cattermole picking out Darren Bent with an excellent pass before the England World Cup hopeful drove home with his right boot. As before, Bolton responded by going on the attack with Vladimir Weiss warming the hands of Dan Gordon with a fierce drive and sub Ivan Klasnic curling an effort just wide of the angle.
However, the match was ended as a contest when Sam Ricketts shoved Bent in the back in the 74th minute, resulting in a red card and a penalty duly dispatched by the former Spurs striker. Bolton simply fell apart at this point, and once more it was Bent who capitalised to complete the match action and his first ever Premier League hat-trick after Campbell picked him out with a pass to the near post.