Four-star Sunderland crush Norwich

Premier League side Sunderland crushed League One rivals Norwich 4-1 in the League Cup second round at Carrow Road on Monday.

In a repeat meeting of the 1985 final which Norwich won 1-0 with Sunderland manager Steve Bruce in the team Sunderland raced into the third round in the space of ten first half minutes with goals from Teemu Tainio and a double from Andy Reid.

Wes Hoolahan pulled one back for the hosts after the break only for Owain Tudor-Jones’ 67th minute own goal to wrap up a good evening’s work for the visitors.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Reid, who had netted only two goals since his move from Charlton, was one of nine changes by Bruce against the team he lifted this competition with almost two and a half decades ago.

Sunderland were, though, still far too good for City, whose main concern under new boss Paul Lambert will be getting back into the Championship at the first attempt.

Although the home side had started brightly, Norwich were undone all too easily on the break.

Tainio set the ball rolling after 26 minutes, and then Reid netted a well-taken double to put the tie beyond Lambert’s men before half-time.

Hoolahan reduced the deficit just after the hour, only for Tudur Jones to quickly deflect a corner into his own net.

Norwich finished with only nine men when defender Michael Spillane was sent off for a professional foul on Frazier Campbell, and keeper Ben Alnwick suffered up a cut to his face.

Sunderland now prepare for their Premier League clash at Stoke, while next up for Norwich is a long trip to Hartlepool – which just about sums up the current difference between the two clubs.

In other second round ties Tottenham start their bid to reach the League Cup final for a third successive season against Championship club Doncaster.

Big-spending Manchester City travel to Championship side Crystal Palace, while West Ham host bitter London rivals Millwall.

Huddersfield manager Lee Clark will look forward to a return to the north east against his former club Newcastle. Stoke are away at Leyton Orient and Hull entertain Southend.

Portsmouth are at home to League Two Hereford, who knocked out League One Charlton in the first round.

Blackburn face a tough trip to newly promoted League One outfit Gillingham, while Premier League newboys Wolverhampton host Swindon.