Blake Brace Seals Reserve Victory

A hat-trick within an hour from young striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake helped Ricky Sbraiga's reserve side triumph against Sunderland and continue the second-string's good run of form.

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also got onto the scoresheet just moments into the second period, ending hopes of a Mackems comeback.

Italian Giuseppe Rossi, who made his United debut in the Carling Cup win against Crystal Palace recently, got the Moss Lane crowd on their feet just 8 minutes into the first half after his promising shot was parried to a poaching Sylvan Ebanks-Blake by Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick. Blake converted into an open goal from close range.

Ebanks-Blake doubled United's lead and his own goal-tally for the night on the hour-mark.

Visitors Sunderland had the chance to grab a goal back 10 minutes later form the penalty spot, however, Ricardo kept his nerve to deny Neil Taggart.

Two summer signings - Rossi and Pique - combined to add United's 3rd just after the interval. Rossi's shot that hit the woodwork bounced back to Pique, who slotted home.

Rossi was at the centre of things yet again as the ex-Parma forward cued up Blake to seal his hat-trick with just over an hour left.

Wanless ended his night at-least on a high with a fantastic piledriving strike that evaded a hapless Ricardo.