The Black Cats made light work of their League Two counterparts as they progressed to the Quarter Finals of the Papa John's Trophy
A neat Aiden O'Brien finish gave the hosts a well deserved lead at the midway point of the match - and it should have been more in the first half.
Lee Johnson made seven changes from Sunderland's draw at the Stadium of Light with Hull City.
O'Brien certainly justified his manager's decision to lead the line, the Valiants really struggled to contain him in the first half.
Dan Neil made his first start under the Black Cats head coach who will be pleased with his side's performance at the break.
A raft of changes didn't disrupt Sunderland's flow and they should have added more to their tally.
Lynden Gooch had a number of half-chances in the second half while substitute Charlie Wyke should have headed home at point blank range.
An Aiden McGeady penalty put the score line beyond any doubt as the Black Cats moved into Quarter Finals of the competition.
It was a good performance for Johnson's side.
Here's how James Hunter rated the Black Cats performance:
REMI MATTHEWS 6
Barely had a save to make all night
MAX POWER 7
Impressed at right-back and delivered some dangerous crosses
JORDAN WILLIS 7
Returned to the side and looked very comfortable
BAILEY WRIGHT 7
Composed and assured throughout
CALLUM McFADZEAN 7
Got forward well down the left flank
DAN NEIL 7
A good 45 minutes but looked to pick up a knock and went off at half-time
JOSH SCOWEN 7
An experienced head between the two youngsters in central midfield
ELLIOT EMBLETON 8
Looked a threat coming forward from midfield, particularly in the first half
CHRIS MAGUIRE 6
Forced a save out of the keeper in the first half but faded in the second
AIDEN O’BRIEN 8
Excellent run and finish for the goal and on another day he might have scored more
LYNDEN GOOCH 8
Brilliant assist for the goal, deflected an Embleton shot onto the bar, and was generally a handful
SUBS
GRANT LEADBITTER 7
For Neil 46mins. Ran the midfield in the second half
AIDEN McGEADY 7
For Maguire 72mins. Scored the penalty that made the scoreline a fairer reflection of the game
OLLIE YOUNGER 7
For Willis 72mins. Did well when he came on
CHARLIE WYKE 7
For Gooch 72mins. Only denied by a fine save from Visser
JACK DIAMOND 7
For Embleton 78mins. Won the late penalty
NOT USED: Patterson, Dobson
