Gus Poyet says ref Phil Dowd got it spot on #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @i_amreginaldjr

GUS POYET paid tribute to 'the best decision I have seen in my life' from Phil Dowd as Sunderland climbed out of the Premier League drop zone yesterday.

Phil Dowd gave Sunderland a penalty despite Connor Wickham not going to ground[GETTY]

A comprehensive 4-0 win over Cardiff that saw the Welsh club replace the Wearsiders in propping-up the division saw Poyet hail the input of the referee in first-half stoppage time as Fabio Borini's penalty doubled the advantage.

Dowd pointed to the spot and sent off defender Juan Cala for pulling back two-goal Connor Wickham after initially playing an advantage which came to nothing.

Juan Cala pulls at Connor Wickham [GETTY]

Sunderland manager Poyet believes Dowd's ruling will encourage players to stay on their feet in the area and help eradicate diving.

"It is the best decision I have seen from a referee in my life," said Poyet. "If you really want to stop players from going down easily, this is the way. All the credit to Phil Dowd today."

Cala was given his marching orders for his foul on Wickham [GETTY]

With three games left, he added:"We have put ourselves in a great position, but let's see if I'm talking about miracles happening in two weeks' time."

Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "Of course it's a big blow, but we've got two games left, we've got to win both now."