Former Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has relived his Tyne-Wear derby heroics that saw him deny Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer from the penalty spot and earn a place in Black Cats folklore.

Having claimed a famous win on a stormy night at St James Park just over 12 months earlier, the Black Cats travelled to Tyneside looking to give supporters another reason to celebrate by inflicting a defeat on a Newcastle side now under the management of former England boss Sir Bobby Robson. Just as they had during the previous season, it was the Magpies that struck first with a goal from midfielder Gary Speed. However, history continued to repeat itself as Sunderland hit back with goals from Don Hutchison and Niall Quinn. There would be one more standout moment as Danish keeper Sorensen came to the fore with a save that has gone down amongst the great moments in the club’s Premier League history.

With the clock ticking down towards full-time, a rash challenge from Quinn brought down Magpies midfielder Rob Lee and referee Graham Poll wasted little time in awarding a penalty. Up stepped Alan Shearer as the £15m striker looked to snatch a point for his side in front of his beloved Gallowgate End. Sorensen had other ideas as he produced a fine stop to keep out Shearer’s spot-kick to secure all three points for his side and claim a place in the hearts of Sunderland fans for years to come.

Speaking of the save recently, he told Suited and Booted TV: “Leading into that first derby game, especially from the Sunderland side, there was some much hype and pressure and talk about this game. I think for all Sunderland fans Alan Shearer is a figurehead, he was the guy everyone hated and he was Newcastle.