DAVID CONNOLLY'S superb injury-time goal completed an impressive late fightback by Sunderland and preserved their seven-match unbeaten run.

Burnley took the lead after only nine minutes with a fine break-away move. John McGreal robbed Daryl Murphy and Steve Jones's clipped ball sent Wade Elliott clean through. The winger's pass split the defence and Kyle Lafferty guided the ball past Darren Ward.

In the 52nd minute then, Lafferty doubled the lead with another clinical effort, showing good anticipation to capitalise on a dreadful Dwight Yorke header to slot past Ward.

The visitors had little response but with 11 minutes left and the game looking as good as over, Leadbitter blasted in from 20 yards to give Roy Keane's side hope.

Jones should have restored the home side's two-goal advantage after racing onto John Spicer's pass but Caldwell made a crucial challenge.

Much of the final 10 minutes were spent with Sunderland flying forward, although Burnley looked to set for the points before Connolly produced a late moment of magic from 25 yards.