Sunderland are into the quarter-finals of this season’s Checkatrade Trophy after beating local rivals Newcastle United’s Under-21 side 4-0 at The Stadium of Light in-front of a huge crowd of 16,654.
The most bizarre fixture in the revamped competition to date threw up a Tyne-Wear derby with a difference with Sunderland’s high-flying senior side taking on Newcastle United’s Development Squad. There was to be no cup shock though with the more experienced Black Cats coming out on top.
The first half produced a typical derby atmosphere off the pitch and plenty of battle and determination on it with chances being at a premium. Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke came closest to breaking the deadlock but his header was held by visiting keeper Nathan Harker.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half in fortunate circumstances. Chris Maguire drifted a corner kick into the box and the ball deflected into the net off unfortunate Newcastle United midfielder Kelland Watts.
Sunderland quickly added a second goal when Wyke headed in from another corner kick before Maguire’s thunderous effort from range made it 3-0.
The Black Cats rounded-off a superb victory four minutes from time when Benji Kimpioka towered above the Newcastle United defence to head in the fourth goal of the game.
Sunderland now go into the hat for the quarter-final draw which is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
