James Milner become the youngest Premiership scorer as Leeds came from behind to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Michael Proctor was the only player able to capitalise from a string of excellent first-half chances for both sides to give Sunderland the lead at the break.

And the home team had several opportunities to double their advantage before Milner struck.

Key moments

34 mins: Proctor heads Sunderland into the lead 51 mins: Milner equalises for Leeds 80 mins: Fowler scores from the penalty spot

At 16 years and 357 days, Milner is three days younger than Wayne Rooney when the Everton youngster scored his first Premiership goal against Arsenal on 19 October.

Sunderland continued to create numerous chances after Leeds levelled, but the away side sealed a valuable away win when substitute Robbie Fowler scored a late penalty after a foul on Harry Kewell.

The Australian should have opened the scoring for Leeds after 10 minutes.

That was probably our best all-round attacking performance since I arrived Sunderland manager Howard Wilkinson

Kewell was through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat but was foiled by an excellent save from Jurgen Macho.

Phillips then came close to scoring for Sunderland.

The Leeds defence backed off and allowed Kevin Kilbane to knock a cross into the Leeds penalty area.

Phillips rose above Danny Mills and appeared to have given his team the lead only for his header to hit the crossbar.

Smith was withdrawn with a suspected broken nose

But after 34 minutes Sunderland did opening the scoring.

Proctor connected with Michael Gray's cross and his effort went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Leeds had enjoyed several half chances prior to Sunderland's goal, which came against the run of play.

And the visitors afternoon worsened when Alan Smith withdrawn with a suspected broken nose.

And Phillips almost doubled the home team's lead but Paul Robinson managed to save his shot from 14 yards.

It's not just a case of him simply coming through and helping out because every day he is getting better and better. Leeds boss Terry Venables

Phillips forced another save from Robinson shortly after the resumption of play - and Leeds soon made Sunderland pay for their profligate finishing.

Milner - who had replaced Smith - smashed the ball home for his first Premiership goal after a precise cross from Jason Wilcox.

YOUNGEST SCORERS IN THE PREMIERSHIP

James Milner: 16yrs 357days 26/12/2002, Leeds v Sun Wayne Rooney: 16yrs 361 days 19/10/2002, Everton v Arsenal Michael Owen: 17yrs 144 days 06/05/1997, Liv v Wimbledon

Undaunted by Leeds' goal, Sunderland went in search of a winner.

A Tore Andre Flo header was blocked on the line, Phillips was denied by Robinson and wasted another good chance while Gray also went close.

Mark Viduka almost stole the points for Leeds with full-time looming but his shot from the edge of the area was well saved.

But substitute Fowler did guarantee a happy Boxing Day for Leeds when he converted from the penalty spot after Kewell was fouled in the penalty area.

Watch a round up of the Boxing day Premiership action

Sunderland: Macho, Gray, Babb, Craddock, Wright, Kilbane, Thirlwell (McCartney 82), McCann, Proctor (Stewart 82), Phillips, Flo (Kyle 82).
Subs Not Used: Ingham, Bjorklund.

Leeds: Robinson, Kelly, Lucic, Mills, Harte (Duberry 58), Smith (Milner 36), Bakke, Okon, Wilcox, Viduka (Fowler 77), Kewell.
Subs Not Used: Martyn, Seth Johnson.

Booked: Viduka.

Attendance: 44,029

Referee: M Dean (Wirral).