Remembering Sunderland's brilliant 6-0 win over Newcastle United - where even Jack Rodwell scored!

Sunderland may soon be forced to play their home games behind closed doors - but it won’t be the first time they have taken to the Stadium of Light pitch in front of no supporters.
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National reports have suggested that the Premier League and EFL are set to shut-off games to supporters in a bid to delay the impact of coronavirus on the UK.

And that could mean Sunderland’s remaining three fixtures on Wearside are played behind closed doors - in an update which has plenty of fans talking about the last time the Black Cats took to the Stadium of Light in front of no supporters.

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Back in January 2016, Sunderland - then managed by Sam Allardyce - welcomed Newcastle United in a behind closed doors friendly.

Sunderland beat Newcastle United behind closed doors in 2016Sunderland beat Newcastle United behind closed doors in 2016
Sunderland beat Newcastle United behind closed doors in 2016

Both teams were battling relegation at the time, with the fixture - which was unsurprisingly closed off to supporters - designed to prepare them for a crucial run-in.

And while it certainly did that, it also provided Sunderland fans with some serious bragging rights courtesy of a 6-0 win.

Duncan Watmore netted a hat-trick, Steven Fletcher bagged a brace and even the controversial Jack Rodwell found the net in the comprehensive triumph.

Here’s how we reported the friendly win at the time:

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“And it was Sunderland who finished as emphatic winners, with Duncan Watmore netting a hat-trick in the 6-0 triumph.

“Steven Fletcher (twice) and Jack Rodwell were also on the scoresheet for Sunderland.

“New signings Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye got some much-needed minutes for the Black Cats, with the on-loan Trabzonspor striker last playing for his parent club in December.

“Newcastle fringe players Steven Taylor, Yoan Gouffran, Jamaal Lascelles, Sylvain Marveaux and Karl Darlow all featured for the Magpies.”

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And here’s the Sunderland side that lined-up that day: Jordan Pickford, Adam Matthews, Jan Kirchhoff, Tom Beadling, DeAndre Yedlin, Ola Toivonen, Jack Rodwell, Adam Johnson, Jermaine Lens, Duncan Watmore, Dame N’Doye (Steven Fletcher)

This is who Steve McClaren selected for Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, Dan Barlaser, Steven Taylor, Jamaal Lascelles, Liam Gibson, Cal Roberts, Yoann Gouffran, Sean Longstaff, Sylvain Marveaux, Rolando Aarons, Emmanuel Riviere