Player ratings

THORBEN HOFFMANN

Had virtually nothing to do in terms of protecting his goal, but his distribution was good and kept his side moving .7

CARL WINCHESTER

Drove forward relentlessly and played a succession of superb passes into the channel. A big part of a tremendous attacking performance. 9

TOM FLANAGAN

Had very little to do defensively in a dominant display, but passed the ball out with good intensity andprecision.7

BAILEY WRIGHT

Wasn’ t tested much defensively but took his early goal well and most impressive was the way he took on Call um Doyle’ s important role in playing out from the back anddiditwell.8

NIALL HUGGINS

Showed the same level of attacking threat and intensity that so impressed at Wig an in the Car abaoC up. Took his opportunity to impress .8

CORRY EVANS

Produced a good assist for the fourth goal and de served it. Picked his moments to get forward and to drop in well .8

LUKE O’NIEN

Brought his usual energy and some real quality in possession. Took his goal very well .8

AIDENMCGEADY

Had plenty of space to show his quality and took full advantage. A constant threat, and showed his composure to produce two assists for his side. Best performance for the season .8

NATHAN BROADHEAD

Announced himself to the So L support and in some style. A constant men ace, making good runs and showing really good composure in possession. De served ago al, Cheltenham simply couldn’ t get near him .9

AIDENO’BRIEN

Made a number of good runs on his surprise return to the starting X I. Little sight of goal but his energy was a big part of how Sunderland played. 7

ROSS STEWART

Alongside Broad head he tormented the visiting defence, constantly making good runs in behind. Unselfish to the last, he could and arguably should have hadahat-trick.9

Subs

FREDERIK ALVES

Rarely tested, but showed an ease in possession and a good turnofpace.6

LEON DAJAKU

Showed his quality with a superb goal to ca pa fine night. Made some very intelligent runs and his team-mates probably didn’ t findhimenough.7

ALEX PRITCHARD

Game was long won by the time of his introduction. Showed some good touches. 6