The Tyne-Wear derby has gone quiet in recent years with Sunderland and Newcastle now two divisions apart, but that rivalry is still simmering away beneath the surface.

As supporters wait for an opportunity to go head-to-head once again, there's no doubt that the heated emotions that come with the derby are still very much there from years gone by.

Sunderland have enjoyed some memorable days out at St James' Park over the years, and they wanted to remind supporters of one of their most famous.

The Black Cats shared a post from their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in November 2000, which saw Don Hutchinson and Niall Quinn score the goals to sink their rivals.

However the hero of the day was Thomas Sørensen who famously denied Alan Shearer from the penalty spot.

It was a day that brought back wonderful memories for one Sunderland star in particular.

Alex Rae started the game in midfield for the Black Cats and he couldn't resist taking to social media with a comment saying: "That was a good night in the Toon".

The verdict

For any football fan there's nothing better than beating one of your arch rivals, and that's never been more true than in the North-East.

The Tyne-Wear derby is among the fiercest rivalries in English football and it's no surprise that Alex Rae and his Sunderland teammates remember that 2-1 victory so fondly.

Let's just hope that we don't have to wait too long for the next installment of the Tyne-Wear derby.