Slick Norwich knock out Sunderland

It was a fairly comprehensive defeat for the young Black Cats, who seemed nervous and simply could not get going under the lights.

After Andrew Nelson had gone close early on for Sunderland, they were caught cold by Norwich, who went ahead after only three minutes.

Highly-rated striker Benny Ashley-Seal grabbed the first of his hat-trick when he was through with only Sunderland keeper Greg Purvis to beat, making no mistake with a low shot into the far corner of the net.

Sunderland came back and a superb ball from Elliot Embleton put Nelson away, but again the striker went on to drive the ball past the far post from a good position.

It was an even game and seven minutes before the break, Sunderland equalised.

A tremendous one-two between Nelson and Luke Molyneux saw the latter work his way free and make no mistake from 10 yards.

It was still level at the break, and the second half developed into a dull stalemate until the 68th minute when Norwich broke with speed.

Lively Scottish winger Glenn Middleton beat his marker, Josh Robson, and sped away down the left and delivered a magnificent ball in front of goal where Ashley-Seal helped himself to his second goal, volleying past Purvis.

Ten minutes later, Ashley-Seal was brought down in the box by Brandon Taylor and Todd Cantwell converted from the penalty spot to see the Canaries 3-1 up.

Big striker Ashley-Seal helped himself to his hat-trick a few minutes later, when he broke through, looking distinctly offside, and he went on to beat Purvis.

Towards the end, a dispirited Sunderland side did create a chance with a cross from Denver Hume, but it was headed just over the top by Dan Casey.

But Norwich saw out the tie to clinch a fifth-round trip to Middlesbrough.

Sunderland: Purvis, J Robson (Gamble 65), Hume, Bale, Taylor, Casey, Molyneux, Pybus, Nelson, Embleton, Wright

Norwich: Oxborough, Ramsey, Syme, Pollock, Ellesley (Wallace 25), Crowe, Lewis, McIntosh, Ashley-Seal (Couzens 81), Cantwell (Sambu 79), Middleton