Sunderland youngster Jake Waters helped Hebburn Town to their historic Northern Premier League title win.

Sunderland youngster Jake Waters described his loan spell at Hebburn Town as ‘an experience to remember’ after he helped the Hornets claim a surprise Northern Premier League Premier Division title win and a historic promotion into the National League North.

The Black Cats academy striker spent time on loan with Spennymoor Town earlier in the season after Hebburn had shown interest in securing his services prior to his temporary switch to the Brewery Field. But the patience shown by Hornets manager Daniel Moore paid off when Sunderland agreed to allow the striker to see out his season on South Tyneside in early March.

Waters made an immediate impact on his Hornets debut as he came off the bench to score twice in their 3-0 home win against Stocksbridge Park Steels and he has been a regular feature in matchday squads as Moore’s men battled for promotion alongside title rivals FC United of Manchester and Hednesford Town. The Hornets went into Saturday’s home game with Rushall Olympic knowing a win would be enough to secure the title and a first ever promotion into non-league’s second tier - and they made no mistake with a 2-0 victory that set off wild celebrations from the 3,000 capacity crowd at their Trustmark Group Stadium.

Waters came off the bench during the second-half of the win to help his side over the line and he reflected positively on his time with the club - despite conceding he is unsure what could lie ahead for him when his Sunderland contract comes to an end this summer.

Speaking after Hebburn confirmed their historic promotion, the Black Cats youngster said: “It’s been amazing from the minute I came here, everyone was welcoming, it’s a real team with everyone playing for each other and it’s just been amazing. This spell has been an experience to remember. It’s meant a lot to me, they have been some of the biggest games I’ve played in during my career. It couldn’t have gone any better and I have really enjoyed it. I don’t know what comes next, I’m just going to enjoy tonight and we will see.”

Your next Sunderland read: Ref Watch duo deliver verdict on controversial VAR decision in Sunderland v Nottingham Forest