Sunderland AFC progressed into the quarter-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs with a convincing victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nathan Fraser put the visitors ahead just before the break before Ben Middlemas equalised with his first goal of the season. Trey Ogunsuyi finished off an excellent team move before goals from Tommy Watson and Timur Tutierov confirmed victory.
Graeme Murty named one change to his team with Trey Ogunsuyi replacing Timur Tutierov in the starting 11.
Tommy Watson continued his run in the side after his first-team cameo two days prior against Sheffield Wednesday. The 18-year-old started the game in a lively fashion, beating his man and putting the ball into the area for Ogunsuyi to strike wide.
The Black Cats continued to create chances throughout the first-half, Ellis Taylor’s left-footed effort was well denied by Jimmy Storer.
Taylor continued to threaten just before the break. A scramble in the area dropped to the skipper before his effort was cleared off the line.
The visitors took the lead with 46 minutes on the clock. A defensive error allowed Fraser to nick the ball away from Adam Richardson before dispatching into an open net.
The Lads were deservedly level with a third of the game still to play. Caden Kelly with some clever footwork on the right side before cutting the ball back for Middlemas to fire home.
Watson continued to threaten and almost had the Lads ahead just two minutes later. Storer again forced into action pushing away the low strike.
Ten minutes from time and Graeme Murty’s side took the lead. An excellent team move that involved 13 passes from back-to-front ended with Kelly backheeling the ball for Ogunsuyi to turn and finish.
A place in the quarter-finals was confirmed with two minutes to play. Watson drove past Diyawa before striking past Storer.
Tutierov came off the bench into stoppage time and added the cherry on the cake. Watson pulled the ball back for the Ukrainian international to add the fourth.
Sunderland will now play West Ham with details to be confirmed in due course.
Sunderland AFC: Richardson, Taylor (c), Bell, Fieldson, Bainbridge (Lavery 86), Burke (Tutierov 89), Middlemas, Jones (Jaydon Jones 90), Kelly, Watson, Ogunsuyi (Ryder 90)
Unuseubs: Chibueze,