Sunderland, fielding what was a strong second string, took the lead after 27 minutes, Waghorn heading home from Jordan Henderson's cross.

Roy Keane's men went close to doubling their lead on several occasions, most notably when youngster Jordan Cook latched on to Waghorn's lay-off, but he failed to find the target.

The visitors were made to pay for their missed chances when Arbroath levelled after 63 minutes, Bryan Scott's swooping effort from 30-yards defying Trevor Carson in Sunderland's goal.

However, the parity was short-lived as Waghorn struck his second of the game, slotting passed Darren Hill and enjoying the moment so much that he was booked for his celebratory kicking of the ball.

Cook then made amends for his earlier miss, collecting substitute goalkeeper Scott Morrison's parry and passing the ball into the net to seal a comfortable win for the Premier League side.