Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke in action against Lincoln City.Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke in action against Lincoln City.
Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke in action against Lincoln City.

Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Agony and heartache for Black Cats after exiting play-offs but who starred?

Sunderland are facing up to the reality of another season in League One – but who starred in the play-off semi-final exit to Lincoln City?

Sunderland totally dominated the first half, goals from Ross Stewart and Charlie Wyke putting the Black Cats 2-0 ahead at the break, with the aggregate score level at 2-2 but a disappointing second half saw Lincoln City through.

It means the Black Cats are now facing up to a fourth season in the third tier.

Lincoln City will now face Blackpool in the League One Wembley final a week on Sunday, with Sunderland now rebuilding again this summer with several players out of contract.

Sunderland were backed by 10,000 fans at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

It was an agonising afternoon on Wearside, but who starred and who struggled?

Our chief football writer Phil Smith has dished out his marks from the game – and here’s how each player fared: