Seven in a row: Sunderland fans celebrate 'secret' friendly victory

Sunderland beat Newcastle 6-0 in a secret friendly at the Stadium of Light.

The 6-0 result of the match, which was played at the Stadium of Light yesterday, delighted SAFC fans - with hundreds taking to the Sunderland Echo Facebook page to share their views on the secret fixture.

Fringe players at both clubs were given the chance to shine at the game, and gain some match fitness as neither side is playing in the FA Cup this weekend.

Sunderland thrash Newcastle 6-0 in behind-closed-doors friendly

Supporting his side, John Crick commented: "We beat Newcastle so regularly now that I've stopped being surprised."

Lisa Webster said: "I think all these people saying no [it doesn't matter] are Geordie fans so of course they are gonna say no.

"Yes it matters, seven in a row I say regardless of whether it was a friendly or not - we still beat them."

Writing on Facebook, Mickey Staines said that the score would undoubtedly give the team a confidence boost, and hailed the result as a "big win".

But Paul Johnson added: "Does it not prove that the players are scared of the crowd? For matches like derbies the atmosphere is electric so it lifts the players. Saturday gone we (the fans) were so nervous you could feel the tension."

POLL: Does the 'secret' derby score matter as Sunderland thrash Newcastle 6-0?While pleased with the result, many asked why a number of fans had not been allowed into the stadium to watch the game - with some suggesting that entry fees could have been donated to charity.

Roland Sinclair said: "Good practice for the lads on both sides but I agree there was money there for charity for both clubs. Big mistake SAFC and NUFC."

Duncan Watmore netted a hat-trick in the 6-0 win, with other SAFC goals coming from Steven Fletcher (x2) and Jack Rodwell.

Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye were part of the Black Cats' team, with Steven Taylor, Yoan Gouffran, Jamaal Lascelles, Sylvain Marveaux and Karl Darlow taking to the pitch for the Magpies.

Writing on the Echo Facebook, Stu Coffey said: "If they played the fringe players and got this result, big Sam should play them every week."

Alan Clark added: "Friendly or not it was a game that Sunderland beat Newcastle 6-0 simple as, so that's seven in a row folks! Well done the lads nice one Sam."