The England international tucked away a 37th-minute penalty and with any luck would have claimed a hat-trick in a game that struggled to live up to the pre-match firework display.

Ipswich improved dramatically in the second half and only a brilliant diving save by keeper Thomas Sorensen denied substitute Pablo Counago a late equaliser.

But anything less than victory would have been rough justice on Sunderland boss Peter Reid, who was able to leave Niall Quinn on the substitutes bench until the 71st minute.

Reid opted for Lilian Laslandes, a £3.5million signing from Bordeaux, to partner Phillips, but the newcomer failed to make any impression on his Premiership debut.

He had a goal disallowed for offside just before the interval as Sunderland looked to consolidate on the gift of the penalty awarded by referee Graham Poll.

Titus Bramble was under no pressure to clear until challenged by Kevin Kilbane and when the England Under-21 defender tried to redeem himself, he held the Sunderland winger back and Poll had no option but point to the penalty spot.

Matteo Sereni, Ipswich's record £4.5million signing from Sampdoria, was sent the wrong way by a confident Phillips who was by far the best player on the pitch.

Sunderland controlled most of the play in the first half but only had the penalty to show for their dominance with Bramble, Hermann Hreidarsson and Chris Makin on his first return to the Stadium of Light proving a rock in front of Sereni.

The Italian keeper saved brilliantly from Phillips after 53 minutes, but he was grateful a close-range header from Quinn flashed outside of the post when it seemed easier to hit the target.

Sorensen's 83rd minute save from Counago was even more spectacular, but the Danish international was also relieved to see a low drive from the Spaniard flash just wide of the upright as Town increased the tempo in the latter stages.

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