Duncan Watmore believes Sunderland are reaping the rewards from a fitness-fuelled pre-season following victory over Hartlepool United on Wednesday evening.
Jermain Defoe got the Lads on their way inside seven minutes as he slotted home before Wahbi Khazri doubled the visitors lead.
Last season’s leading goalscorer Defoe then netted his second and Sunderland’s third as he swept home a neat finish over the ‘keepers head and into the top corner to round off a fine first-half display.