Dick Advocaat is confident Sunderland will stay up after victory over Newcastle United.

A stunning 45th minute winner from Jermain Defoe earned the Black Cats a fifth straight win over their bitter rivals.

"We had to win today because there was a lot of pressure on us," said Advocaat. "I'm proud of the team and I'm proud of our fans.

"I got a great feeling when we arrived on the bus. There was something special and the players felt that.

"It was a fantastic goal but the way the team played gives us a boost.

"They worked their socks off and the football was much better than at West Ham; for 75 minutes we were in control.

"The league table looks a lot better but the most important table is on May 24."