SUNDERLAND head coach Claire Robinson was delighted with her side’s squad depth after watching her reshuffled troops ease to a 3-0 victory over local rivals Durham.

Abbey Joice opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time in their Group Two opener of the WSL Continental Cup, their fourth game in two weeks.

And after the break Beth Mead and a Lauren Jordinson own goal saw Robinson’s troops take a fourth straight win in all competitions, much to the boss’ delight.

“I’m happy with the performance.

We could have had a few more goals too, but the chances are coming and that’s pleasing.

“We’ve been able to rotate the players too, and brought young players through and I was pleased with their performances.

“We need to keep an eye on the squad. We have a starting eleven but it’s important to give the players a chance and keep that winning mentality.”

Danielle Hill, stand-in skipper for Durham on the night, admitted she and her teammates only had themselves to blame.

“To be honest, I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game. They attacked more than us but we had a plan and that was to stop them.

“Obviously conceding three goals is not the best, but we’ll build on this.”

The FA Women’s Super League has been expanded to two leagues for 2014. To buy tickets go to ticketstores.

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