Preston made the long journey north east hoping to obtain some points to ease their relegation fears, but the worst possible start saw them two down inside the first ten minutes and ultimately on the wrong end of a five goal defeat.
Sunderland, in second place prior to kick-off, had the opportunity to make up some ground on league leaders OOH Lincoln, and did so with a top quality performance that PNE just couldn't match on an off day.
The Mackems' first goal came in the fourth minute as a Demi Stokes cross from the left was headed home at the back post by Lucy Stainforth.
On ten minutes, Natalie Gutteridge extended the Black Cats' lead, finding space in the box to fire home past North End keeper Danielle Gibbons.
The visitors then had a couple of opportunities with Laura Walker's cross hitting the post and the home keeper Helen Alderson then gathering a subsequent cross.
Sunderland continued to dominate and on the half hour mark extended their lead to 3-0, Kelly McDougall despatching a penalty kick proficiently.
At the interval, with his side three goals down, Preston manager Chris Stammers made a triple substitution with Anisha Bateman, Sam Cadwallader and Sarah McCrea replacing Linny Craig, Hannah Bailey and Alison Taberner. Sunderland manager Mick Mulhern made a double replacement with Sarah Danby and Nicola Devine taking to the field of play.
The changes initially caused Sunderland problems with Gemma Watson shooting on target and Alderson having to deal with a Walker cross. On 75 minutes a Walker flick on was gathered by Alderson in front of the on rushing Cadwallader.
However, the award of another penalty in Sunderland's favour on 78 minutes saw McDougall obtain her brace with but five minutes later Devine adding the home side's fifth with her shot into the top right hand corner.
Opening scorer Stainforth was then replaced by Stephanie O'Brien, with the final action of the game seeing Walker unfortunate not to obtain a consolation goal with her shot going over.
Preston boss Stammers was disappointed with the result but felt that the second half performance was much better. A strong performance is needed in Thursday nights visit to fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers.
Sunderland: Helen Alderson, Lucy Bronze, Vicky Greenwell, Jordan Nobbs, Stephanie Bannon (Captain), Gemma Wilson, Lucy Stainforth, Kelly McDougall, Sophie Williams, Natalie Gutteridge, Demi Stokes. Subs: Sarah Danby, Nicola Devine, Stephanie O'Brien, Abby Holmes. Rachel Laws.
PNE: Danielle Gibbons, Alison Taberner, Sarah Jones, Louise Belcher, Vikki Eastwood, Laura Walker, Mel Martin, Sarah Berry (Captain), Linny Craig, Gemma Watson, Hannah Bailey. Subs: Sam Cadwallader, Anisha Bateman, Sarah McCrea, Abby Blackett, Sarah Walker.
Report by Julie Jones. Photos by Simon Rudkin (www.pne-invincibles.com).
