BURTON ALBION (4-2-3-1):
Bywater 7; Akins 6, TURNER 7, Naylor 6, Flanagan 6; Palmer 7, Murphy 6; Scannell 6 (Allen 65, 5), Sbarra 6 (McFadzean 71), (Mason 58, 5) Miller 6; Sordell 6.
Subs (not used): Ripley (gk), Warnock, Lund, Varney, Mason
SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1):
7 Ruiter: On the rare occasions Burton were able to fashion a clear chance he stood tall to keep them out.
6 Matthews: An efficient performance keeping the impressive Burton youngster Miller quiet.
8 O’SHEA: At the heart of a much-improved defensive effort that laid the foundations for victory.
7 Browning: Gave great support to his skipper in the heart of the Sunderland defence.
7 Oviedo: Struggled to get to grips with Scannell in the first half but got forward whenever possible and put some dangerous balls into the home box.
7 Cattermole: An excellent screening job to shield the his defenders before playing a key role in the opening goal.
6 McManaman: Gave Tom Flanagan a tough afternoon down the flank but his delivery was often below par.
7 McNair: Sunderland’s best player in the opening 45 minutes and Chris Coleman will be counting the days until he is fully fit again.
6 Honeyman: A combative performance in midfield was crowned by a brilliant run into the box that earned him a goal.
7 McGeady: Has a tendency to drift in and out of games but looked a threat in possession.
8 Grabban: Led the line tirelessly and was desperately unlucky to be denied a goal by Bywater’s legs.
Subs:
Gibson (for McNair, 70)
Vaughan (for McGeady, 75)
Asoro (for McManaman, 80)
(not used): Steele (gk), Galloway, Love, Gooch
Man Of The Match: JOHN O’SHEA – Used all his experience to marshal the Sunderland defence and his desire ensured that a clean sheet was finally achieved and fully deserved.
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