Newcastle reached the FA Cup fourth round by picking up their first Wear-Tyne derby win in seven attempts – as Sunderland gifted them all three goals in a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
The first encounter between these two arch-rivals in eight years promised a tasty contest given Sunderland's promising season as the sixth-placed team in the Championship, and Newcastle's recent poor run.
But the Magpies' dominance reflected the recent history between these two, as they dominated the first half before Daniel Ballard put into his own net from Joelinton's cross (35).
Sunderland then shot themselves in the foot after half-time as Pierre Ekwah gave the ball away in the box to allow Alexander Isak to double the lead 36 seconds into the restart (46).
Michael Beale's Black Cats tried to get back into the cup tie as Alex Pritchard hit the crossbar then forced Martin Dubravka into a superb one-handed saves.
But a bad afternoon for Ballard was compounded after he gave away a late penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon, which Isak dispatched as the clock ticked into 90.
More to follow.
What's next?
Sunderland's next game is on Saturday January 13 when they travel to Ipswich in the Championship, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 5.30pm. The Black Cats then host Hull on Friday January 19, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.
Newcastle's next outing is at home to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday January 13; kick-off 5.30pm. The Magpies then play away to Aston Villa on Tuesday January 30; kick-off 8.15pm.
Shauncy
0
wow
Tshoda
2
Castle Boys ❤️
chris_lamboo
3
Ballard was the one who put all the Newcastle decorations up as well 😂😂😂😂 Dan Ballard - Man of The Match