There may not have been any budding Len Shackletons on show at Horsfall Stadium last night.

Nonetheless, the great man would have been pleased at some of the football served up by two of his former clubs in a tribute match to the Clown Prince of Soccer. Certainly, there was much to encourage Avenue supporters in the 550 crowd as the team prepare for the demands of the UniBond Premier Division.

"I don't think there was much in it," said Avenue manager Trevor Storton.

"Sunderland were a well organised and a very fit side and were sharper than us because of their fitness, but it was only a bit of tiredness that caught us."

He added: "Full credit to our lads. We can look forward with a lot of enthusiasm. I thought Dean Calcutt was outstanding."

Avenue fell behind to a brilliant goal after 15 minutes from Neil Wainwright, one of two players in the Sunderland line-up who were on loan at Halifax Town last season.

The striker picked up the ball in midfield and ran 20 yards before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 20 yards that flew into the top corner of the net - Shack would have been proud of that.

Avenue came back well in the second half and deservedly equalised after 53 minutes.

Lively trialist striker Dino Maamaria, who has been released by Southport, beat two players inside the six yard area before scoring with a low shot.

Sunderland regained the lead two minutes later when Brendon McGill cut in and fired towards goal. Although Gavin Kelly got a hand to the ball, he could not prevent it from trickling over the line.

Undeterred, Avenue hit back and the skill of another trialist, former Leeds United reserve player Andy Wright troubled Sunderland.

However, Sunderland made the game safe eight minutes from time when Ross Marchant broke down the right before crossing for Michael Proctor, who was also on loan at Halifax, to sidefoot the ball into the net for goal No 3.

Bradford Park Avenue: Kelly, M James, O'Brien, Bagshaw, Wright, Thompson, Hancock, Benn, Maamaria, Maxwell, Calcutt. Subs (all used): Lacey, Paul, Briggs, Quinn, Lindley.

Sunderland Reserves: Ingham, Haley, C James, Mercimek, Byrne, Dickman, McGill, Black, Prcotor, Reddy, Wainwright. Subs: Harrison, Kennedy, Shields, Marchant.

Referee: Gavin Kellett (Bradford).