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.
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