Sunderland AFC 0-3 Newcastle United
Sunderland AFC exited the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday following defeat to Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.
Dan Ballard’s own goal broke the Black Cats’ resistance after the half-hour mark, with Alexsander Isak adding a second within moments of the restart.
Alex Pritchard struck the crossbar and the midfielder forced an excellent one-handed save in the second period, but Isak completing the scoring from the penalty spot late on.
Michael Beale named an unchanged starting XI for the 157th edition of the Wear-Tyne derby, as Nazariy Rusyn led the line and Patrick Roberts missed out due to injury.
A wall of noise greeted the sides as they exited the tunnel and headed into the Wearside sun – and the Lads matched the energy in the stands with their early efforts.
Newcastle registered the first efforts on goal, though, when Fabian Schär failed to connect at the back post before Anthony Patterson denied Sean Longstaff.
The Lads continued to battle and press their black and white counterparts, who started to enjoy the bulk of the play after the 20-minute mark.
Longstaff threatened once more and clipped an effort over the bar, with Ballard recovering excellently to deny Isak a one-on-one opportunity.
Unfortunately, the centre back had his head in his hands moments later, as Joelinton crossed into the six-yard box and the Northern Ireland international diverted the ball into his own net.
Half-time provided an opportunity to regroup, but Eddie Howe’s side were gifted a second moments after the restart when Miguel Almiron dispossessed Pierre Ekwah and Isak converted.
Pritchard was denied by the crossbar in the stages that followed, with Luke O’Nien putting his body on the line to block Almiron’s goal-bound half-volley.
A knockdown by Rusyn led to the next opportunity and Pritchard once again went close, but this time Martin Dúbravka denied the 30-year-old.
Anthony Gordon lashed an effort wide late on before winning a penalty, which was dispatched by Isak to confirm Sunderland’s exit from the competition.
Sunderland AFC: Patterson, Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Alese, Neil, Ekwah, Pritchard, Bellingham, Clarke, Rusyn.
Subs not used: Bishop, Triantis, Pembele, Seelt, Ba, Aouchiche, Rigg, Burstow, Hemir.
Newcastle United: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Almiron, Guimaraes, Longstaff, Gordon, Joelinton (Miley 47), Isak.
Subs not used: Karius, Dummett, Lascelles, Ritchie, Krafth, Hall, Livramento, Parkinson.