Player ratings

THORBEN HOFFMANN

Made good decisions consistently and stood tall with three excellent saves to help protect the points for his team. Growing in stature. 8 CARL WINCHESTER

Oladapo Afolayan has been one of the form players, so it is to Winchester’s credit his influence was not overly significant. Defended well and took his goal superbly. 8

TOM FLANAGAN

More than justified his expected recall. Defended well in the main and stood tall against a strong opponent. 7

CALLUM DOYLE

A performance of real maturity under what was quite often severe pressure. Made some big interventions – but a late injury will be a concern. 8

DENNIS CIRKIN

Produced a fine assist, the highlight of another excellent performance both offensively and defensively. Came off with a suspected concussion in the second half. 8

DAN NEIL

Showed great fitness and endeavour at the end to keep hauling his side up the pitch under intense pressure whenever possible. 6

LUKE O’NIEN

Sunderland saw less of the ball than they would have liked for long spells and so his influence going forward was relatively modest. 6

AIDEN MCGEADY

Tracked back well over the course of a challenging game. Some bright touches going forward without being dominant. 6

ALEX PRITCHARD

Showed some clever touches and got into some promising areas. Missed a big chance from close range in early stages of second half. 5

ELLIOT EMBLETON

One or two good moments of interplay with those around him, but not quite as imposing as we have seen him on occasions. 5

ROSS STEWART

Battled tenaciously, but not a game where he was really able to threaten the opposition goal. Never stopped running. 6

SUBSTITUTES NIALL HUGGINS

A tough ask coming into this game as his side defended a lead. 5

CORRY EVANS

Composed in possession and helped to relieve pressure late on. 6

LEON DAJAKU

Brought fresh impetus and made some intelligent runs. A definite threat. 6

BAILEY WRIGHT

Did his job in closing minutes with some good challenges. 6