Sunderland Under-21s rounded off the regular season with a convincing victory over Blackburn Rovers.
Ellis Taylor grabbed a goal in either half with Harrison Jones and Oli Bainbridge also getting on the scoresheet to confirm three points at the Lancashire FA ground.
The Black Cats dominated the opening proceedings with the first chance falling after just six minutes. Caden Kelly found space inside the area but flashed an effort wide. Kelly was again involved moments later striking the side netting from distance.
Tommy Watson continued to build the momentum with a flurry of chances. A solo run from the 18-year-old resulted in a low effort saved before a venomous strike minutes later flew just wide.
The deserved opener came in first-half stoppage time. Taylor drove forward before cutting in on his left foot and sending a curling effort into the top corner.
It was more of the same at the start of the second half with the Lads doubling their advantage. Kelly beat his man with some neat footwork before finding Jones in front of the goal for the tap-in.
Taylor continued his individual goal of the season competition firing in his second and the Lads’ third with 60 minutes on the clock. A well-worked corner routine fell to the full-back to fire home from the edge of the area.
The fourth followed just two minutes on. Taylor again involved striking from distance. The save could only be parried to Bainbridge who rounded the ‘keeper before slotting home.
Victory for Graeme Murty’s side confirms his team will play in next season’s International Cup with the PL2 play-offs also to follow in the next month.
Sunderland AFC: Richardson, Taylor, Bell, Fieldson, Bainbridge (Lavery 84), Burke (Jaydon Jones 84), Middlemas (Ryder 84), Jones, Kelly, Watson, Tutierov (Ogunsuyi 72)
Subs not used: Chibueze