Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson suffered more heartbreak when his team were beaten by a Jo Tessem goal in the fourth minute of injury time.

Substitute Tessem managed to scramble a header over the line despite the attentions of defenders and it needed several play-backs on the giant screens before the identity of the scorer could be confirmed.

Battling Sunderland had fought back after conceding a goal to James Beattie in the 73rd minute to level four minutes later through Tore Andre Flo.

It looked as if Sunderland's determination and defence in depth might earn them a valuable point in their quest to avoid relegation.

But just when it seemed that Sunderland would travel home with a draw, Saints got their winner to maintain their unbeaten home record.

Sunderland had Austrian goalkeeper Jurgen Macho to thank for keeping them level for so long.

Macho made great stops from Paul Telfer and Fabrice Fernandes in the first half and from Chris Marsden in the second.

But it was Sunderland who went closest to scoring within 30 seconds of the second half when leading scorer Michael Proctor, who had just replaced Kevin Phillips, hit the outside of a post.

Phillips had endured a difficult first half culminating in a booking in the 32nd minute for a foul on Fernandes.

Wilkinson also sent on Flo in place of Michael Gray on the hour but gradually Southampton with their greater share of possession began to get on top.

So it wasn't a surprise when Beattie finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, rising to head in a centre from Chris Marsden which went under Macho for his 12th goal of the season.

Sunderland were level four minutes later when Gavin McCann took a corner on the right and the lanky figure of Flo rose above the Southampton defence to head home.

At the other end Beattie and Tessem contrived to make a hash of a clear opening engineered by Michael Svensson and Sunderland looked as if they would hang on grimly to their draw.

All the late excitement was in contrast to a dour and physical first half of numerous fouls and bookings for Southampton's Telfer and Phillips of Sunderland. Kevin Kilbane was yellow carded just before Beattie's opener.

The first half was enlivened by a bizarre incident when referee Mike Riley was called to the technical area to sort out a dispute involving Sunderland's Steve Cotterill and Southampton coach and Dennis Rofe.

Fourth official Graham Poll called Riley over after it looked as if Rofe and Cotterill were squaring up to each other but after a quiet word from Riley the dispute was settled and no action taken.

Tessem, who had replaced Brett Ormerod in the 72nd minute, was left to claim his first goal of the season although there were suggestions that team mate Fernandes might have got the final touch.

Teams

Southampton Niemi, Telfer, Michael Svensson, Lundekvam, Bridge, Fernandes, Delap, Anders Svensson (Oakley 72), Marsden, Beattie, Ormerod (Tessem 72).

Subs Not Used: Jones, Davies, Williams.

Booked: Telfer.

Goals: Beattie 73, Tessem 90.

Sunderland Macho, Wright, Babb, Craddock, Gray (Flo 59), McCartney, Kilbane, Thirlwell, McCann, Phillips (Proctor 45), Kyle (Bjorklund 90).

Subs Not Used: Ingham, Stewart.

Booked: Phillips, McCartney.

Goals: Flo 77.

Att: 31,423

Ref: M Riley (W Yorkshire).