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:
5. Denver Hume - 6
A fine assist to quickly get his side level and got in some dangerous areas. Did his job defensively, giving it away once or twice but rarely beaten on the whole. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
6. Grant Leadbitter - 6
Sunderland struggled to contain the home side early on but settled quickly enough and gained control towards the end of the first half. Tidy defensively in ensuring second half pressure didn’t lead to many opportunities for the home side. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
7. George Dobson - 7
Quality on the ball was mixed in the opening exchanges but grew into the game and did really well to trigger the third goal. Put in a real shift to see the game out in the second half. 7 Photo: FRANK REID
8. Lynden Gooch - 7
Produced a brilliant goal to get his side level almost immediately after going behind, an acrobatic effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Touch of fortune about his assist for the second but a consistent threat early on. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019