Goal:

0-1: Maguire (47, turned in Matthews’ low centre after Gooch’s effort had hit the post)

Bookings: McGeouch (14, foul); Cattermole (16, foul); Wilks (29, foul); Whiteman (29, foul); Honeyman (34, foul); James (49, foul); Marquis (49, dissent); Mason (foul); Wright (90, foul); Butler (90, foul)

Referee: Jeremy Simpson (Morecambe) – infuriated both fans with some decisions but also had to dish out the cautions he did. 6

Attendance: 11,881

Entertainment: 3/5

DONCASTER ROVERS (4-3-2-1): Marosi 6; Mason 6, WRIGHT 7, Butler 7, Andrew 5; Whiteman 6, Kane 6, Blair 5 (J Anderson 73); Wilks 6 (Taylor 89), Coppinger 6 (May 78); Marquis 6. Subs (not used): Lawlor (gk), T Anderson, Crawford, Amos.

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1):

8 McLAUGHLIN: Did excellently at the end of the first half to prevent two one-on-ones from putting Doncaster ahead;

7 Matthews: Comfortable on the ball and defended well when he needed to as well as teeing up the opener for Maguire

6 Baldwin: On hand to clear off the line and focused on the task at hand for most of the game

6 Flanagan: Largely impressive even if there were a couple of moments where he was caught out

6 James: Did well to prevent Doncaster’s attacks from coming to much down his side, but cautioned;

6 Cattermole: Had to be sensible after an early booking without letting it affect his display

6 McGeouch: Similar showing to Cattermole, having been cautioned early he had to watch his step

8 Gooch: Started both halves brightly and his run and shot against the post led to the opener

6 Honeyman: Booked on his return to the starting line-up and unable to pose the threat he would have liked

7 Maguire: Had his ups and downs during the 90 minutes and put Sunderland ahead

6 Sinclair: His best work was done out wide which was frustrating in the absence of Maja

Subs

O’Nien (for Cattermole 64): Did what was expected of him after replacing Cattermole. 5

McGeady (for Gooch 84)

(not used): Ruiter (gk), Ozturk, Mumba, Kimpioka.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Jon McLaughlin – made two crucial first half stops and never looked back after those.