BLACK CATS ARE JUST TOO HOT FOR BAY

IT PROVED a bridge too far for Northern League side Whitley Bay as an impressive Sunderland U23 side ran riot at Hillheads.

Four goals inside three first-half minutes gave the young Premier League side complete control, although Bay will take heart from a resilient second-half display.

Jacob Young gave the Black Cats the lead just past the half-hour mark, before a quickfire Connor Shields double gave the visitors a comfortable cushion at the break.

It was no less than the youthful Sunderland side deserved, although Bay did threaten themselves early on when skipper Peter Glen Ravenhill played a smart one-two with Stephen Ramsey but the former Durham City man could only fire his shot low towards the legs of Anthony Pattison, who saved well.

In the end though, the fitness of the Premier League youth outfit began to show, and they took the lead on 31 minutes. Jack Diamond’s corner was powered home by Young.

Shields, who signed for the Black Cats on January deadline from Albion Rovers, showed just why he’s so highlyrated when bursting into the Bay box, cutting inside and firing a fierce shot beyond the trialist keeper.

And in almost identical fashion, Shields made it three, cutting inside and firing another shot down low past the keeper.

A number of substitutes and hot weather affected the tempo of the game but Sunderland’s superiority showed.

Sub Jack Bainbridge added a fourth on 57 minutes, prodding home from close range after the Bay defence failed to deal with a a long ball into the box.

And Shields wrapped up proceedings and an impressive performance, slotting into an empty net following a cross from the right hand side to complete his hat-trick and a comprehensive victory.