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:
9. Aiden McGeady - 7
Again produced a moment of real quality at the Wham Stadium. His third goal in as many visits here, showing composure and quality to find the top corner with three defenders closing down. Composure on the ball was important in the second half. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
10. Chris Maguire - 6
Quiet in the second half but had done plenty of damage by then. Unlucky not to produce an assist with the score at 1-1, but did so for the third with a superb, unselfish dummy to then tee up McNulty. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
11. Marc McNulty - 6
Tireless in his running. Couldn’t quite make the most of a couple of opening to get a shot away, but converted the simplest finish to put his side in command shortly before the interval. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
12. Dylan McGeouch - 6
Another intelligent cameo from the bench, using the ball well and picking up good defensive positions. 6 Photo: FRANK REID