Sunderland confirmed their place in the final of the Checkatrade Trophy as they defeated Bristol Rovers by 2-0 in the semi-final of the competition to advance to the final to face Portsmouth. Will Grigg and Lewis Morgan were the two goalscorers who ensured the victory for their side.
The two goals came on either side of the half time whistle as Will Grigg found the back of the net in the 44th minute to put his team in the lead. Lewis Morgan doubled it in the 47th minute with an excellent finish. The scoreline remained that way until the final whistle as the Black Cats brought up an important win to advance to the final.
Here is how the Sunderland players were rated from their win against Bristol Rovers.
Jon McLaughlin: 7
Had a decent outing in goal for the Black Cats. Made a few crucial saves to earn a well deserved clean sheet on the night.
Adam Mathews: 6
A dogged display from the Welshman as he kept getting the ball into the danger area with his accurate passing. Looked a bit tired in the second half though.
Jimmy Dunne: 7
Ensured nothing went past him with clean tackles and brilliant interceptions. Helped McLaughlin to leave the pitch with a clean sheet.
Tom Flanagan: 6
Put in a decent display to guard the backline in the second half. Went into challenges fearlessly.
Luke O’Nien: 7
Went up the pitch with the ball and initiated the attack from the back with his darting runs. His backtracking was very good as well.
Max Power: 7
Diligent display in the heart of the pitch as he kept dispossessing the opposition with his interceptions. Threaded a pinpoint assist for Grigg to open the scoring.
Grant Leadbitter: 6
Did not give much space to the opposition to get their shots in and kept the ball possession high. The veteran looked a little tired towards the end of the match though.
George Honeyman: 5
Was not his night as he looked a little tired throughout the match and had to be taken off right after the half time whistle.
Aiden McGeady: 6
Kept deceiving the opposition defenders with his classy footwork and opened up space for shot making. Could not get the accuracy on the shots though.
Lewis Morgan: 8
Played a crucial role with his swift runs into the box as he got the better of the Bristol defence. Scored the winning goal for his side with a fine finish and ended all chances of the hosts making a comeback into the match.
Will Grigg: 8
Kept tormenting the Bristol goalkeeper and defenders with his accurate shot-making and his wily runs to open up space in the box. Diverted the pinpoint assist from Max Power to open the scoring for his side on the night. Looked dangerous throughout the match but could not add to his tally.
Substitutes
Lynden Gooch: 6
Did well after coming on early for Honeyman as he stabilised the midfield.
Duncan Watmore: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Dylan McGeouch: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
