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.
13. Elias Lenz - 6
Came on for Burke shortly after the hour mark, and looked tidy enough with his usual range of zippy passes. Lost it a couple of times, but generally good. | Ben Cuthbertson Photo: Ben Cuthbertson
14. Ben Kindon - 6
Came on for Johnson with 20 minutes to go. Helped maintain a clean sheet, but never faced anything truly troubling. | Frank Reid
15. Rhys Walsh - N/A
Came on too late to be properly assessed, but was instrumental in Watson's second goal. | Frank Reid