LEE Johnson says tonight's win over Manchester United Under 21's shows just how the good is from the first-team to the youth set up. 

The Black Cats fielded a young team with just one senior player featured in the side in Denver Hume. 

However, the youngsters won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light thanks to goals from Tyrese Dyce and Stephen Wearne, his second senior goal in consecutive games, to already seal qualification from Group F. 

"I think it's really important that we show the fans we're not just working at the top end of the pyramid," Johnson said.

"The first team is the tip of the iceberg, we're working all the way down and I think you saw that tonight.

"Manchester United have quality players all through the age groups but I thought we pressed like a Sunderland team tonight.

"We could had any shirt on but you'd have known it was Sunderland if you've been watching our teams.

"That's credit to the coaching and the players for the way they're retaining the information.

"I think we're starting to get that identity and so for me the win is just the cherry on the cake.

"We deserved it, we really did," Johnson added.

We had good chances, and maybe just lacked a little bit of quality in the first half.

"Jevo (Phil Jevons) made a good point at half time that we needed to fill certain areas of the box, and that led to the winner with Wearney attacking the penalty spot.

"I think a lot of people at the club will take a lot of pride in that, because they've worked with these lads for years.

"The results in this time weren't great a couple of years back so it's a lot of credit to anyone.

"This is a great reward for the lads who have come off buzzing, and they really appreciated the support from the fans."

Their final Papa Johns Trophy Group match will see them face League Two Bradford City on Tuesday 9th November. 

However, their attentions turn swiftly back to League One this weekend where they'll face a mammoth trip to Gillingham.