Sunderland coasted to victory in the Premier League 2 on Monday evening, beating Derby County 6-0 at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground.
The main headline for the Black Cats was the inclusion of recent signing Aaron Connolly, and the Irishman got himself on the score sheet as he completed his first 45 minutes in red and white. The striker streaked away to double Sunderland’s advantage after lively winger Tommy Watson had given them the lead.
After the break, Graeme Murty’s side really started to run riot, with Connolly’s replacement, Caden Kelly, winning and converting a penalty, and the visitors struggling to ever truly lay a glove on their hosts.
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Sunderland then indulged in a late flurry of goals, with Nazariy Rusyn heading home a Jenson Jones delivery to make it four before the full-back bagged a strike of his own following some good work from Watson. Watson would then round out an eye-catching performance with his second deep into stoppage time at the end of the contest.
9. Nazariy Rusyn - 8
Started on the right and looked lively throughout. Constantly looking to run in behind and use his pace to good effect, and was justly rewarded with a goal after moving to centre forward in the second half. Could have had another if he'd been more composed when latching onto a superb through ball from Aaron Connolly shortly before half time. | Chris Fryatt
10. Tommy Watson - 8
A player who proves that he is worthy of first team involvement every time he takes to the pitch. Played out on the left, his favoured position, and while this may have been one of his less dominant displays writ large, he still came away with two goals and an assist. | Chris Fryatt
11. Aaron Connolly - 8
All eyes were on the new man as he made his first appearance of any kind in red and white. Lasted 45 minutes, scored a goal, and hassled well in the final third. Showed a good turn of pace and wonderful composure to take his strike, and while he undoubtedly has levels left to reach, this was a promising introduction to life on Wearside for the Irishman. Photo: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
12. Caden Kelly - 7
Introduced for Connolly at half-time, allowing Rusyn to move central. Won and scored the penalty that ultimately ended the game as a contest. | Frank Reid