OTD: BURY 2-5 SAFC

On this day in 1999, Super Kevin Phillips scored four goals as Sunderland made promotion certain, and the First Division title all-but-certain.

Peter Reid’s side, less than a year after losing out to Charlton on penalties, had done what they promised they would do. They stormed the league and promotion was confirmed in a 5-2 win at Gigg Lane.

There had been a steely determination throughout the team all season, and that was personified with this performance. We stood up against Neil Warnock’s Bury and pushed them aside without a fuss, clinching promotion with four games to go.

After 10 minutes Nicky Summerbee's fierce shot was only beaten out by Dean Kiely and, as Phillips went for the rebound, he was toppled by Chris Swailes. Phillips took the penalty himself and Sunderland were on their way. There was an unexpected twist though, when Derek Lilley teed it up for Darren Bullock to hammer a 25-yard equaliser into the top corner.

But, typical of the Lads’ attitude that season, we responded perfectly. We went straight up the other end and within two minutes, Quinny had arrived at the back post (as we’d seen him do a million times before) to tap in Summerbee’s deep cross.

Two more goals from Super Kev on 31 and 33 minutes made it 4-1 at half time, and we could relax and enjoy the occasion a bit more. Nick Daws did pull one back on 65, creating a sense of trepidation. 4-2. Could the party be spoiled after all? Of course not. Kevin Phillips did not need to score another but he did, making it 5-2 and getting his fourth of the game. In the last minute this curling effort was the fitting ending to an unbelievable day.

After the match, Reidy said: "He's a natural goalscorer. To get four goals in an important game like that shows his quality."

Phillips' fellow striker Quinn was cheerfully throwing the Nationwide bric-a-brac out of the Sunderland dressing-room. "We're not in that League any more," was his explanation.

"I wouldn't go as far as Niall," said Reid. "It's a smashing League, but I'm delighted to be out of it. We've had two disappointments with relegation and then getting beaten in the play-offs, so this is a fantastic feeling. It’s been a collective thing all season, and I’m not just talking about the players. The fans did their bit as well. It’s been a fantastic achievement all round. I’m delighted for the fans after the disappointment of last season. Their support this season has been superb.”

Michael Gray, the man who missed the crucial penalty at Wembley the prior season, was a key figure in that promotion-winning team. He said: “We’ve worked on clean sheets all season, but when you score five goals who’s going to beat you? Being local, if I wasn’t playing I’d be out watching as a fan. Every game I play, I know what every Sunderland fan is feeling because I’m doing what they want to be doing.”