Ryan Noble struck a hat-trick for Sunderland reserves yesterday.

Noble came off the bench to hit three in their 7-0 romp over Scunthorpe United.

Coach Keith Bertschin told safc.com: "Ryan will be the first to admit that he had the goals gifted to him by fantastic play from the midfield. Vaughan, Gardner, Meyler and McClean kept putting him in the positions.

"I was also pleased with the clean sheet and the play of the boys at the back, including Trevor Carson who was first class in very difficult conditions.

"We circulated the ball and played it forward well and generally controlled the game from start to finish."