Sunderland cruise past West Brom

Kevin Phillips receives the ball ahead of Tony Butler

West Brom 0-3 Sunderland

Sunderland picked up a fourth successive pre-season victory as they eased past West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

A brace from Stefan Schwarz and a strike on his debut from Bernt Hass sealed their comfortable success.

Sunderland broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Gavin McCann and Scottish international Don Hutchison combined to set-up Schwarz.

McCann whipped in a right-wing cross that Hutchison was able to head down into the path of Schwarz.

The Swede was unmarked at the near post and he had no problem in firing past Albion goalkeeper Russell Hoult.

Sunderland were fortunate to find themselves in front as Albion had dominated the opening stages.

But Sunderland goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen had kept Peter Reid's side on level terms following two smart saves from Albion's transfer-seeking striker Lee Hughes.

Sunderland took charge after Schwarz struck and Hass struck with a stunning debut goal.

Hass, who arrived from Grasshoppers Zurich on Friday in a £750,000 deal, fired home a right-foot drive from 10 yards in the 63rd minute following a neat pass from Hutchison.

Schwarz completed the rout nine minutes from time, picking up a pass from David Bellion, before scoring from 20 yards.