Under-18s: Sunderland 0 United 7

The game started fifteen minutes later than billed, in very warm, sunny conditions in front of a modest gathering, and both teams took a little time to get into their stride, with the opening twenty minutes or so seemingly being used to gauge the strength of the opposition.

Sunderland had the first chance of the game, but United goalkeeper Alex Fojticek was rapidly off his line to remove the threat.

At the other end, the visitors looked lively, if occasionally a little hesitant in front of goal, but then, in the 22nd minute, sharp-shooter Mason Greenwood opened the scoring with a terrific effort and the complexion of the match was changed in an instant.

The Reds, wearing all dark blue on this occasion, took control of the match from then on. Although it was only 2-0 at the break - Aliou Traore getting the second goal on the stroke of half-time - United were, after the break, looking capable of adding to the score with every attack.

Early in the second half, the Black Cats’ main striker Cole Kiernan was stretchered from the field following treatment after colliding with United’s Di’shon Bernard.

Traore raised the score to 3-0, seven minutes after the interval, and eight minutes later Charlie McCann fired home to keep Neil Ryan’s side on course for a resounding victory.