SUNDERLAND’S under-21 side sprang a huge surprise after they thumped previously-unbeaten Arsenal 5-1 at Boreham Wood last night.

Mikael Mandron scored a hat-trick on his return to Sunderland’s development squad as the young Black Cats impressed from start to finish and goals either side of half time from Duncan Watmore and Craig Lynch sealed the victory.

Coach Kevin Ball made six changes to the side that lost at Burnley the previous week with Watmore, Mandron, Liam Agnew, Tom McNamee, George Honeyman and Jordan Laidler all returning.

SUNDERLAND: Dixon, Laing, Ferguson, Laidler, McNamee, Egan, Watmore (Cartwright, 89), Agnew, Mandron (Lawson, 89), Lynch, Honeyman (Mitchell, 75) Subs not used: Stryjek, Moberg Karlsson.

ALAN PARDEW watched a strong Newcastle under-21 side draw 1-1 with Chelsea at St. James’ Park.

United took a 14th minute lead through Adam Campbell, who played a clever give-and-go with Brandon Miele before sending a low shot past Jamal Blackman, while Boga equalised for the visitors.

Campbell was one of eight players with first-team experience in Willie Donachie and Peter Beardsley’s side, with Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, Massadio Haidara, Sammy Ameobi, Gael Bigirimana, Paul Dummett and Curtis Good the others.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Jak Alnwick, Lubo Satka, Curtis Good, Paul Dummett, Massadio Haidara (Macaulay Gillesphey 83), Gabriel Obertan, Brandon Miele, Gael Bigirimana, Sammy Ameobi (Tom Heardman 83), Sylvain Marveaux (Rolando Aarons 74), Adam Campbell Meanwhile, Middlesbrough’s under-21s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup after going down 2-1 at Tottenham U21s at Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium. Bryn Morris scored Boro’s only goal.