How did the players fare in Sunderland's 4-2 win over Gillingham?


SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1):

5 McLaughlin: Didn’t have a chance with either Gillingham goal, but showed the occasional sign of nerves

7 O’Nien: His attacking runs were a key feature of Sunderland’s attacking, and he won both of his side’s second-half penalties

6 Flanagan: Scored with an excellent first-half header, but wasn’t always totally convincing at the back

5 Dunne: Didn’t look comfortable as Gillingham pushed forward in the first half and is struggling to justify his continued place in the team

5 James: Tried to get forward on the front foot, but was occasionally exposed as Sunderland struggled defensively in the first half

6 Honeyman: Got himself into some dangerous positions, but wasn’t able to find the target as often as he would have wanted

8 LEADBITTER: The quality of his delivery has transformed Sunderland’s threat from set-pieces – has now set up four goals in four games

6 Cattermole: Dovetailed with Leadbitter reasonably well, although conceded possession more often than he would have liked

8 McGeady: Caused a succession of problems in the second half and deserved the goal he claimed from the penalty spot

5 Maguire: Suffered an extremely frustrating evening as an early ankle injury meant he was unable to continue

6 Grigg: Was desperate to get the ball for the first penalty, and duly opened his Sunderland account with a composed finish


Subs:

6 Gooch (for Maguire, 18): Tried to get on the front foot whenever possible, but failed to find the target from a couple of decent positions

McGeouch (for Leadbitter, 85)

Power (for Cattermole, 89)

(not used): Ruiter (gk), Ozturk, Morgan, Wyke.


GILLINGHAM (4-2-3-1):

Holy 6; O’Neill 5, Ehmer 4, Ogilvie 4, Fuller 4; Byrne 5, LOPES 7 (Charles-Cook 68, 5); Oldaker 6 (List 73), Hanlan 7, Burke 5 (Parrett 90); Eaves 7.

Subs (not used): Hadler (gk), Reilly, Campbell, King.


Man Of The Match: GRANT LEADBITTER – The midfielder performed impressively from open play, and was even better from set-pieces. His delivery from corners caused problems all night.