Good afternoon and welcome to LIVE coverage of Newcastle United v Sunderland from St James' Park in Newcastle. A 12:45 pm kick-off in this contest.

De Jong with a shot at goal from 25 yards after a decent break by the home side. Straight into the gloves of Mannone in the end.

Alonso just failing to connect with a volley from the Johnson cross. Newcastle defence all over the place at the back.

Sunderland have won 17 of the 18 Premier League matches where they have led by two or more goals at half-time – the only time they failed to record a victory from that situation was the 3-2 home defeat v Tottenham, April 2001.

Ameobi is sent spinning to the deck by Bridcutt. A free-kick chance from distance for Newcastle.

Sammy Ameobi departs the scene to be replaced by Luuk de Jong.

Sunderland get the match off and running then in the second half of this contest.

There goes the whistle for the break. A 2-0 lead for Sunderland, who have been dominant in this first period.

We are into two minutes of time added on here.

Shola Ameobi tries a shot from 23 yards out. All too easy for Mannone as he clasps the loose ball with some relish.

Sunderland last completed the league double over Newcastle back in 1966/67 in the old Division One, winning 3-0 both home and away.

Alonso fires a shot at goal. Blocked by a home shirt. Sunderland picking up so many second balls here. A third goal might well be on the cards.

Williamson bundles Altidore to the deck. And that is going to be another free-kick to Sunderland, who continue to enjoy the best moments of this match.

Some superb play by Borini to win the ball out wide. But not sure what Debuchy was up to. A poor piece of play does not even begin to explain his errors there.

Wes Brown drills the ball long after knocking a free-kick back to Mannone before Borini beats Debuchy to a loose ball. Shot by Altidore, but saved by Krul. Another chance for the Black Cats.

Bardsley using all of his experience to win the ball ahead of Sammy Ameobi out wide. Next goal is going to be vital one suspects. Providing there is a third goal.

Sunderland have taken their quickest 2-0 lead in a Premier League match since going 2-0 up within 11 mins of their 4-0 home win v Stoke in September 2011.

Johnson makes a good run across the face of Santon. Manages to get the header at goal, but ball flies well over the bar in the end.

Williamson looks about himself before walloping clear the ball with Borini attempting to earn some space in the home box.

Santon is going to be booked for a late challenge on Johnson, who is relishing this match today. Daft foul by Santon.

Newcastle trying to find some momentum here as O'Shea rises to head clear the Anita cross. Sunderland dropping deeper and deeper here. Inviting trouble, it must be said.

Three of Fabio Borini’s four Premier League career goals have come against Newcastle. Not a bad fixture in which to make your name.