How did the players fare in Sunderland's 3-0 win at Burton?
BURTON (4-2-3-1):
Garratt 4; Brayford 4, Carter 4, Bostwick 5, Earl 3; Clare 4 (Hamer 63, 5), Edwards 4; SMITH 6 (Taylor 82), Broom 4 (Powell 63, 4), Parker 5 (Rowe 63, 4); Akins 4 (Fondop 70).
Subs (not used): O’Hara (gk), Mancienne.
SUNDERLAND (3-4-3):
7 Burge: Made a crucial save at the start of the second half as he tipped Smith’s deflected goal-bound effort onto the crossbar
7 McLaughlin: Looked perfectly at home as one of three centre-halves and dealt with Burton’s aerial threat
7 Sanderson: Gave as good as he got against the muscular Akins – his loan signing from Wolves has proved an astute bit of business
8 O’Nien: Oozed calmness and control as he found himself repositioned in the back three – wherever he plays, he produces the goods
8 Gooch: Clearly enjoyed himself charging down the right-hand side and claimed Sunderland’s second goal with an excellent driven strike
8 POWER: Restored to the heart of midfield and led by example as he drove his side forward, constantly organising and cajoling his team-mates
7 Leadbitter: Opened the scoring with a composed first-time finish and prevented Burton’s midfielders from getting near the Sunderland box
6 Vokins: Looked a threat going forward from his left wing-back berth, although he might have done better with a header that flashed wide
7 O’Brien: Caused the Burton defence a host of problems as he drifted across the frontline and finished the game as the central striker
7 Wyke: Struck the woodwork in the second half – but wasn’t to be denied his 23rd goal of the season, which came courtesy of a neat finish
8 McGeady: Set up Leadbitter’s goal with some quick thinking and set the tone for Sunderland’s purposeful attacking in the first half
Subs:
5 Scowen (for Leadbitter, 66): The game was won by the time he came onto the field, but he held his position effectively late on
6 Winchester (for McGeady, 66): Produced some neat passing in the closing stages as he was stationed in central midfield
6 Jones (for Vokins, 66): Almost scored with a long-range shot and set up Wyke’s goal with a well-judged through ball
Diamond (for Wyke, 78)
Maguire (for Power, 85)
(not used): Matthews (gk), Neil.
Man Of The Match: MAX POWER – Sunderland’s skipper led by example as he dominated the heart of midfield and got his side onto the front foot.
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