Sunderland came from behind three times before beating West Ham 5-3 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Premier League 2 – but how did each player fare for the young Black Cats?
Tom Watson converted the winning spot kick after Ellis Taylor had cancelled out Gideon Kodua’s opener to take the game to extra-time. Caden Kelly and Tom Watson then scored dramatic equalisers as Graeme Murty’s side came from 2-1 and 3-2 down to force a shootout in the additional 30 minutes. The young Black Cats will face Reading in the last four of the competition.
Here’s how each Sunderland player fared at Eppleton CW:
5. Oliver Bainbridge - 8
Conceded a penalty in extra-time but produced another strong showing at left-back. Defended well in one-vs-one situations and made some probing forward runs forward, which led to Sunderland’s equaliser in normal time. 8 Photo: Chris Fryatt
6. Ben Middlemas - 8
Took a few heavy touches in the early stages but grew into the game in normal time. Was disciplined out of possession to protect his back four and was confident stepping up the pitch with the ball. 8 Photo: Chris Fryatt
7. Chris Rigg - 7
Put himself about in midfield and made some important interceptions and tackles. Overhit a few passes when he looked to play the ball into the final third. Was replaced in the second half when he appeared to be in a bit of discomfort following a tackle to stop a West Ham counter attack. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Caden Kelly - 8
Scored a stunning goal in extra-time. Had a few corners which were underhit but continued to get on the ball and ask questions of West Ham’s defence, moving from the right into a number 10 position. 8 Photo: Chris Fryatt