Chris Maguire’s late strike earned the Black Cats a point after Luke Leahy’s third minute penalty put the Gas in command, while the hosts came close to snatching a late winner despite George Dobson’s red card.
But who shone, and who struggled? Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his player ratings from the clash:
1. Lee Burge
Had little to do for the most part but his early error was so costly. Hesitated when the free kick was floated into the box and then made a rash challenge on Mitchell-Lawson to give the penalty away. 4 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Jordan Willis
Didn’t have much chance to get forward and influence the game as we know he can at the Stadium of Light. Suffered from his side’s inability to build sustained pressure in the first hour. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Bailey Wright
Made one tremendous challenge to halt a dangerous Rovers’ counter in first-half stoppage time but struggled to contain Brandon Hanlan throughout the contest. Was immensely fortunate to avoid a red card when the referee went to his pocket for a second yellow, only to decide against it at the last moment. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Flanagan
Made one terrific run out of defence that almost led to a first-half equaliser. That was his best moment in a game where he didn’t always look comfortable against a quick Rovers frontline. 5 Photo: Frank Reid