'Dominant': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos after convincing Preston win

Sunderland beat Preston 3-0 at Deepdale to secure their place in the Championship play-offs – but who stood out for Tony Mowbray’s side at Deepdale?

After a goalless first half, Amad put the visitors ahead with an excellent strike into the top corner.

Substitute Alex Pritchard then added a second before Jack Clarke completed the scoring with a low effort.

After Millwall failed to beat Blackburn, Sunderland moved into the top six and will now face Luton in the play-offs.

Here’s how Phil Smith rated the Sunderland players against Preston:

13. Joe Anderson (sub) - 7

Really tidy in possession, which was important in the closing stages. A good cameo, even if he wasn’t tested much defensively. 7 Photo: Jeremy Ng

Handled the ball well and helped his side control the latter stages. 7 Photo: Frank Reid

Tidy and tenacious, but little chance to really make a big impact. N/A Photo: Frank Reid