Elliott Dickman praised the professionalism of his players as they booked their place round one of the Durham County Challenge Cup.
Sunderland under-23s produced a rampant display as they ran out 11-0 winners, with Luke Molyneux netting a hat-trick.
Credit to Annfield Plain who dug deep and fought to the last whistle, going closest when Carl Malpass forced Michael Woud to tip his glancing header over the bar.
But it was the Black Cats who dominated throughout, and speaking to safc.com post-match Dickman hailed the hunger of his players.
