SUNDERLAND’S development side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup after a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao ensured they finished on top of their group.

Danny Graham and Martin Smith scored at the Stadium of Light to ensure a strong Sunderland second string secured a notable victory over their Spanish opposition.

With Patrick van Aanholt and Mikael Mandron joining Graham in the starting line-up, Sunderland’s under-21s maintained the form that has enabled them to open up a five-point gap at the top of the Under-21 Premier League Division One.

The Black Cats withstood some early Bilbao pressure and took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark as Graham broke beyond the opposition defence and slotted a precise finish past goalkeeper Unai Simon Mendibil.

Graham went close again shortly after breaking the deadlock, but Bilbao equalised on the stroke of half-time when Rodriguez Guruzeta rounded off a slick passing move.

Sunderland goalkeeper Max Stryjek was forced to produce a decent save midway through the second half to keep the scores level, but after Mandron struck the woodwork, the Black Cats claimed the lead for a second time with seven minutes left.

Van Aanholt was fouled inside the area, and Smith successfully dispatched the penalty to ensure that Sunderland’s continental campaign will continue.

Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, van Aanholt, Ledger, Brady, E Robson, Smith, T Robson, Greenwood (Wright 90), Graham, Mandron.