Kevin Phillips rescued a derby point for Sunderland just when it looked like Newcastle had gained revenge for their early-season defeat.

The former Watford player struck seven minutes from time to secure a share of the spoils after the visitors had raced into a 2-0 first-half lead.

Goals from Didier Domi and Helder within the first 21 minutes put Newcastle firmly in the driving seat, but Phillips pulled one back on 22nd minutes and then equalised as time ran out to satisfy local pride.

United will count themselves somewhat unfortunate not to have left Wearside with all three points after a superb display from keeper Steve Harper, who made four crucial saves to keep his side in front.

But there was nothing he could do to prevent Phillips from taking his tally to 22 for the season as Sunderland staged a second-half revival.

Peter Reid made four changes to the side which went down 2-1 to Leeds a fortnight ago, Jody Craddock replacing the injured Steve Bould and Niall Quinn returning from suspension, while Chris Makin and Nicky Summerbee were recalled after being dropped for the Leeds clash.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson left out Kevin Gallacher and drafted in Domi, who provided the cross for Alan Shearer's winner at Blackburn on Monday night after coming on as substitute.

The game had been billed as a clash between two of the Premiership's most dangerous strikeforces, but Newcastle did not have to rely on Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson as they raced out of the blocks.

Thomas Sorensen had already tipped a Ferguson header over the bar when Domi profited from good work by the lively Kieron Dyer and the big Scot Ferguson to send a deflected shot past the Danish keeper to open the scoring.

It should have been two seven minutes later when Gary Speed put Dyer one-on-one with Sorensen, but again the keeper was equal to the task.

However, United did extend their lead on 21 minutes when Makin was penalised for a foul on Dyer.

The England man picked himself off to curl in a teasing free-kick which Helder met powerfully to give Sorensen no chance.

But the travelling supporters had their celebrations cut short within 60 seconds when Niall Quinn, who was making life desperately difficult for Nicos Dabizas, flicked on Makin's free-kick to Phillips, and he took his time before firing past Harper from close range.

Craddock had to clear a Ferguson header off the line after Sorensen dropped Domi's corner, but it was Sunderland who finished the half the stronger as Harper pulled off two superb saves to deny first Kevin Kilbane and Makin.

Sunderland emerged for the second half determined to fight their way back into the game, and although they enjoyed the lion's share of the possession, they were able to create few genuine chances.

However, it took another fine stop from Harper to keep his side ahead on 61 minutes when Gavin McCann found Summerbee in space on the right and he laid the ball inside for full-back Makin.

Makin struck his low shot well, but Harper was able to palm it away.

Despite finding themselves under the cosh, Newcastle were defending bravely as Helder and Dabizas began to compete well with the towering Quinn, and with Dyer always looking dangerous on the break, the home rearguard had to remain on their toes.

Harper came to the rescue once again 10 minutes from time when he flew out at Kilbane's feet to block the Irishman's shot after Quinn had again flicked on.

But Harper was left helpless with 83 minutes gone when Kilbane crossed and Phillips nipped in to prod home from close range.

Teams

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Craddock, Butler, Gray, Summerbee (Reddy 75), McCann, Schwarz, Kilbane, Quinn, Phillips.

Subs Not Used: Holloway, Marriott, Rae, Roy.

Booked: Schwarz.

Goals: Phillips 22, 82.

Newcastle: Harper, Barton, Dabizas, Helder, Pistone (Hughes 36), Dyer, Lee (Gavilan 88), Speed, Domi (Gallacher 88), Shearer, Ferguson.

Subs Not Used: Given, Antunes.

Booked: Dabizas, Lee.

Goals: Domi 11, Helder 21.

Att: 42,192

Ref: D Gallagher (Banbury).