ROY KEANE'S dream moved a step closer to reality as Sunderland gave their hopes of automatic promotion a massive lift.

Goals in either half from on-loan Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and substitute Stern John moved Keane's men level on points with Birmingham.

Defender Evans, 19, has excelled since joining the club on loan in January and his first senior goal in the second minute was added to in the closing stages by the recently signed striker.

This latest success - Sunderland's 11th in 13 unbeaten league encounters since the turn of the year - was not pretty. But it was never going to be against a fully committed Hull outfit fighting desperately against the drop.

Keane's men were worthy winners, however, and could have put the Tigers out of sight had they not spurned a succession of first-half chances. Some of those fell to errant teenager Anthony Stokes, who was recalled up front.

That didn't seem like it would be the case in the early stages as Sunderand wasted no time in scoring.

A needless foul by David Livermore on Dean Whitehead down the right allowed the Sunderland skipper to whip in a vicious free-kick.

Evans rose highest to plant a firm header past visiting goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Sunderland continued to create a steady stream of goalscoring opportunities but couldn't find the finishing touch.

Yet while Sunderland had far more potency in attack, they were never truly allowed to settle by the visitors. Hull threatened to steal a goal on the half-hour mark when Nicky Forster's flicked header looped onto the top of the net.

Dwight Yorke slotted the ball into the net shortly before the interval whistle, but he was clearly offside and a raised flag from a referee's assistant soon put paid to home celebrations.

Hull continued to battle in the second half but they were undone in the closing stages when Myhill's dreadful backpass went straight to John, who rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the empty net to finally secure the points.