Phil Parkinson hailed his side’s first half showing as Sunderland dismantled Lincoln City to lead 3-0 at the break.
Tyler Walker pulled one back for the visitors in controversial circumstances shortly after the hour mark, but the Black Cats’ impressive display in the opening 45 proved decisive.
Tom Flanagan broke the deadlock with a close-range header from a corner before a Lynden Gooch brace capped a scintillating 10 minutes for the Lads.
The win moves Sunderland to within a point of the play-off places with a home game against Wycombe Wanderers to come next Saturday.
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