SUNDERLAND progressed to the knock-out stages of the Checkatrade Trophy as two goals in the final six minutes secured a 2-1 win over Notts County.

Robbie Stockdale’s development team went into their final group game at the Stadium of Light knowing a draw would be sufficient to extend their run in the much-maligned competition.

That outcome looked unlikely for much of the night, but after Josh Maja cancelled out Adam Campbell’s opener, a late Haydn Hollis own goal handed Sunderland victory.

Stockdale was able to name a relatively strong side for the Black Cats’ final group outing, with Vito Mannone, Donald Love, Jason Denayer and Seb Larsson all featuring in the starting line-up.

Larsson’s appearance was especially welcome, with the Swede having been unable to make a first-team outing since undergoing knee ligament surgery in the summer.

Mannone’s return to action was another significant boost to first-team boss David Moyes, with the Italian also having been absent since suffering an elbow injury in August.

Sunderland started brightly, with Rees Greenwood and George Honeyman failing to find the target with early efforts, but Mannone had to be alert to keep out Graham Burke’s 25-yard effort midway through the first half.

Mannone saved again from Alan Smith to keep the scoresheet blank at the interval, but League Two Notts County claimed the lead four minutes after the re-start.

The Sunderland defence failed to deal with a corner, and former Newcastle United striker Campbell hooked in from close range.

Smith, another former Magpie, forced another save from Mannone shortly after, but Sunderland levelled with six minutes left as Maja converted following an intelligent through ball from substitute Luke Molyneux.

A draw would have been sufficient to see the Black Cats progress, but they went one better in the final minute as Hollis diverted Larsson’s cross into his own net.

Sunderland qualify as the runners-up in Group F, with the draw for the first knock-out round due to take place at 10.30am this morning.

Sunderland: Mannone, J Robson (Molyneux 78), Brady, Ledger, T Robson, Love, Denayer, Honeyman, Greenwood, Larsson, Asoro (Maja 58).