Newcastle United piled the pressure on Sunderland boss Peter Reid as they cruised to victory in the Tyne-Wear derby.

Reid - under fire from Sunderland supporters - looked to the St James' Park showdown for salvation after heavy defeats against Middlesbrough and Fulham.

But the heat was on Reid after Craig Bellamy gave Newcastle the lead after only 83 seconds.

And once Alan Shearer added a second with a powerful free-kick before half-time, goal-shy Sunderland were left facing an impossible task.

Reid gambled on playing new striker Tore Andre Flo in a lone role and packing midfield, but it was a tactic doomed to failure once Sunderland went behind in the second minute.

Newcastle needed victory after their own uncertain start to the new season, and Sir Bobby Robson's side answered his call to arms in style.

Sunderland's pre-match plans were in disarray almost from the kick-off when they were cut apart by a slick link involving Shearer and Kieron Dyer, which set Bellamy free to beat Thomas Sorensen.

And Sunderland's misfortune was underscored in the space of seconds eight minutes before the interval.

Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given almost gifted Sunderland an equaliser when he hacked a clearance against Flo and was forced to race back to his line to save.

Referee Mike Riley was at the centre of controversy on the hour when he booked Bellamy for diving in the area when he appeared to be pushed by Matthew Piper.

But it was minor irritation for Newcastle on a day when they were given the minimum of trouble by their near neighbours.

Newcastle: Given, Hughes, O'Brien, Dabizas, Griffin, Solano, Dyer, Speed, Robert, Shearer, Bellamy. Subs: Jenas, Harper, Bramble, Ameobi, Viana.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Wright, Babb, Bjorklund, Gray, Piper, McAteer, Reyna, McCann, Kilbane, Flo. Subs: Bellion, Williams, Myhre, Quinn, Stewart.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire).