Quinn fells Forest

Niall Quinn inspired Sunderland to an emphatic 4-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last night as the Roker Park men showed that they intend to be more than mere Premiership cannon-fodder this season.

The Republic of Ireland striker - signed from Manchester City last week - found the net twice on his full debut for his new club, during an opening 45 minutes which produced all five goals.

Michael Gray opened the scoring by cutting in from the left flank to curl in a sweet shot with the outside of his left foot. Sunderland struck again when Kevin Ball challenged Mark Crossley for Steve Chettle's underhit back-pass and the goalkeeper's clearance cannoned off the knee of a bemused Quinn to roll into the net.

Alf Inge Haland nodded in Forest's goal after a Stuart Pearce shot had been blocked but Sunderland hit back with two more goals before the break. Quinn converted Paul Bracewell's cross with a powerful header and then Richard Ord met Martin Scott's corner with another emphatic header.

At Filbert Street, Leicester City were indebted to their promising youngster, Emile Heskey, who scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Southampton. An otherwise quiet Matt Le Tissier, in front of the watching England manager, Glenn Hoddle, pulled one back from the penalty spot, but Leicester held on after the Saints' Barry Venison had been sent off.