SUNDERLAND .........................................................1
MATCH STATS
hope. He picked up a pass from McGeady, who had come on for Sinclair just after the break, and unleashed a rocket shot from 25 yards out which flew past Evtimov and into the top right-hand corner.
Suddenly Burton looked nervous and Evtimov made an unconvincing stop from Oviedo’s long-range shot, with the ball hacked behind just as George Honeyman was preparing to apply the finish.
From that corner, there was a frantic goalmouth scramble that finally ended when McGeady drilled a shot wide of the target.
Sunderland pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes but Burton almost killed the game off inside the final 10 minutes, McLaughlin called upon to make a good save to push a shot from Boyce to safety. Not a happy return, but he couldn’t be faulted for the goals
Had a tough afternoon, particularly in the first half
Made some crucial tackles and blocks
Did okay, although he gave the ball away too often
Offered an attacking outlet but needed more help defensively
Has been one of the most impressive players this season, but not today
Worked hard but did not dominate the midfield
Covered a lot of ground and showed good energy without really hurting Burton
Drafted into the starting line-up but made no impact and was hooked just after half-time
Offered very little before his afternoon was cut short
Kept going until the end but nothing came off for him For Wyke 43mins. Scored an excellent goal which at least gave his side a chance
For Sinclair 51mins. Livened the game up but it was evident that he lacked match fitness
For Loovens 85mins. Just a brief cameo NOT USED: Ruiter, Ozturk, Flanagan, Hume Maguire
BURTON ALBION: Evtimov 6, Boyce 6, McFadzean 7, Turner 6, McCrory 6 (Hutchinson 90+3, 6), Quinn 6, Fraser 6, Allen 7, Sordell 6 (Fox 80, 6), Akins 6, Templeton 7 (Sbarra 87, 6). Not used: Campbell, Hesketh, Harness, Cole Bookings: McFadzean, Sbarra Goals: Allen, McFadzean
Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire) 4,566