Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was grateful to matchwinner Wes Brown after victory over QPR.

Brown's late header earned Sunderland a 3-2 win at Loftus Road last night.

"It had crossed my mind (that we had thrown the game away). At 2-2 the game goes back onto a knife edge," said O'Neill, who has now overseen two victories in his three games as Sunderland manager.

"The points are of paramount importance and the performance was excellent in most part but we lost concentration when we scored our second goal.

"The referee injured himself and we had time to reflect on a 2-0 lead and lost concentration.

"We had chances at 2-2 and there were two great saves from their keeper. It crossed my mind we might not get the points.

"We have won two out of three and that is encouraging. They are still getting to know what I demand. The one thing I haven't any complaints about is the commitment of the team.

"I did miss nights like this. I enjoy the winning of games. You do go through turmoil. If you have won it is worthwhile, if you lose it is a sickener."