First-half goals from Lynden Gooch, Aiden McGeady and Marc McNulty wrapped-up a comfortable win at the Wham Stadium, with the Black Cats doing well to survive some late pressure from their hosts. But who stood out during the trip to the North West? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, rated the individual performances from the Black Cats side:
1. Jon McLaughlin - 6
The search for a clean sheet goes on after a disappointing early goal, but again commanded his box well in the latter stages. A couple of smart stops prevented a set piece goal making it a nervy finish. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
2. Luke O'Nien - 6
Caught out on a couple of occasions in the opening exchanges but settled into the contest and did well defensively in the second half. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
3. Alim Ozturk - 6
Looked uncertain in the opening exchanges against some imposing forwards but steadied and did his job well thereafter. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
4. Jordan Willis - 7
Another convincing display. Showed his pace to recover some threatening situations, good in the air against a physical attack and composed on the ball. 7 Photo: FRANK REID