Ryan's majestic winner seals Sunderland Boys' cup final triumph

Bosses Steven Wales and Lee Blakeston stood by the team which had turned around a two-goal deficit in their memorable semi-final success, but they struggled to impose themselves early on.

Bishop knocked the ball about well from the off, and Sunderland keeper Jak Wright had to collect several corners.

Sunderland upped their tempo and the hard-working James Thompson was bundled over for a free-kick 25 yards out.

Thomas Scothern struck it beautifully into top right corner for the opening goal, giving the keeper no chance.

The strike put Bishop on the back foot slightly and allowed Sunderland to get a hold of the game, particularly with the introduction of Liam Barnes in midfield, and Sunderland remained in charge until the break.

Max Allen and Ryan Leonard, allowed to play by their respective clubs, Newcastle United and Sunderland, were introduced for the second half, allowing Nathan Simpson to revert to his more attacking role.

Bishop clawed themselves level, but not for long as Leonard picked the ball up deep in his own half after a full-on Bishop attack. He went on one of his trademark mazy runs with incredible pace and, having looked to have been pushed maybe too far wide, he pulled out a fantastic strike to beat the keeper at the far post – a goal that Fabio Borini would have been proud of.

Sunderland stood firm to seal a 2-1 victory, and they created chances to extend their winning margin.