"Especially in the first half, I thought we were unlucky not to go into the break level, but we were still in the game at 1-0. Sunderland have bags of quality and that shone through in the first 10 minutes of the second half. They are still a very young side, as were we today, but they had a lot of energy and different options of the bench which unfortunately we couldn’t utilise today. I have to say that Evie was outstanding in goal today and fully deserved all the plaudits.

"Absolutely no excuses and Sunderland deserved to win the game, but we can keep our heads held high, we didn’t roll over and gave them a game and now we look to finish strong in our remaining three games of the season, all away games and try to gain maximum points. 

"Congratulations to Sunderland on winning the title and we wish them the best of luck for next season."

Here's the match report from Chris Barrett: 

As was expected Sunderland dominated from early on keeping the ball, moving it well and getting a good shot away early on for Evie Whittaker to make a good low claim.

Sunderland continuously pressed high but in the early stages were reduced to longer range efforts due to the collective organisation and defending from both the defence and the midfield.

On the 21st minute, a neat run down the left from Sunderland created a 1 on 1 opportunity but Whittaker stood up strong and got strong hands to the ball to keep it out. A few minutes later Whittaker was called into action again as the ball was worked down the left to be crossed to the far post for the winger to get space and unmarked got a free half volley from close range but it was brilliantly turned over the bar.After 35 minutes, the striker again cut through the defence and looked to have a free effort on goal but Emma Carter got back well to pressure the striker which allowed Whittaker to make another strong save.

Darlington were well organised and doing well but just before half time Carter made a good recovery tackle just to the right of the goal but it was harshly adjudged to be a foul and a penalty was awarded. The penalty was struck low into the corner and gave Sunderland the lead just before half time.

It wasn’t long after the game restarted that Sunderland doubled their lead with the attacker being afforded a little space on the edge of the box for them to strike the ball sweetly of the post and in. 3 minutes later there was another when a corner for Sunderland was played in and although it was initially dealt with it picked up again by Sunderland and they got a shot away through the crowded box and it found its way in.

Just after the hour mark Sunderland were in again down their left hand side creating a clear opportunity on goal but again it was another superb save from Whittaker to keep it out. On 71 minutes it was 4-0 with a free kick from just outside the box which was zipped in and took a wicked bounce off the greasy surface to find its way in. Only a minute later it could have been five when a well worked move from Sunderland allowed a shot from an acute angle and it took a deflection off the defender but it was another terrific save with the foot by Whittaker to keep it out.

Although they had a big lead Sunderland continued to push but it was again 2 fine saves from Whittaker that kept Sunderland at bay. The defence remained resolute and saw the game out to not concede any more goals. Although it was it was a dominant performance from Sunderland, Darlington will be happy with the effort from the players who worked hard and still maintained the football philosophy giving Sunderland a tough test and trying to play football when in possession. 

Although there were some excellent hard working performances from a number of players there was no doubt, that the player of the match was Evie Whittaker, who was simply outstanding with one of the performances of the season. Darlington will hopefully have some more strength in depth in the next game as they look to finish the season as high up the table as they can.