Sunderland thrash Newcastle United in behind-closed-doors friendly

Sunderland hammered North-East rivals Newcastle United 6-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

With both sides in the middle of a 10-day break due to being knocked out of the FA Cup at the third-round stage, they arranged the game to keep some players match fit.

Duncan Watmore scored a hat-trick for the hosts, while Steven Fletcher added a brace and Jack Rodwell bagged the other in the convincing victory.

In competitive matches, Sunderland also have an excellent recent record against the Magpies, winning the last six Premier League contests by an aggregate scoreline of 13-1.

Karl Darlow, Jamaal Lascelles, Steven Taylor, Yoan Gouffran, Emmanuel Riviere and Sylvain Marveaux were among those in action for Newcastle today.