The incredible stat as Sunderland Under-18s are thumped 7-2 by Everton

Yet amazingly, there was one almost unbelievable stat from the game - Sunderland had more shots on goal than the Toffees, with 15 attempts to 14.

But this also highlights how clinical the finishing of the visitors was compared to the young Black Cats.

The first half was fairly even with Everton taking the lead on 27 minutes through McAllister before Cole Kiernan levelled for Sunderland, converting a through ball from James Foster three minutes later.

The visitors hit back with two quick goals just before the break through Lewis Dobbin and Tom Carroll.

In the second period Sunderland soon reduced the deficit when McKenzie Dicchio slotted in a pull back from Foster.

At that stage there appeared to be hope for the hosts but Everton were far superior and took over with Dobbins notching another two superb goals into the top corner for his hat-trick.

The floodgates then opened and Tom Cannon completed the rout by claiming another two for his hat-trick before the final whistle.

Sunderland coach Paul Bryson said: “Their finishing was excellent.

“Once again it was tough but the big difference between the teams was in both boxes. For us, 16-year-old Jay Turner-Cooke again showed good glimpses of skill and creativity.”

Sunderland: Newman, Wombwell, Smith (Almond 58), Baggs, Miller, Triallist, Foster (Taylor 80), Watts (Armstrong 70), Turner-Cooke, Kiernan, Dicchio.

*Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips could miss tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough after picking up a calf injury against Reading. Phillips was forced off in the 37th minute as Marcelo Bielsa’s side claimed a 1-0 win to move five points clear of third-place Fulham.

When asked about Phillips after the match, Bielsa said: “I think it’s a kick, but I don’t know if this will turn out to be a serious injury or not.”