The Black Cats were held to a goalless draw at Northampton Town in what was their first outing since December, with neither side carving out any real chances.
But how did their players perform, and did anyone emerge with any credit? Scroll down as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks – with a number of low marks unsurprisingly handed out:
5. Tom Flanagan
Composed defensively and handled his opponent well. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Max Power
Tested the goalkeeper with an audacious effort early on, and was full of industry in the middle of the pitch. Wasn’t able to get dangerous areas as we had seen in that Lincoln win, and so struggled to affect the contest in an attacking sense. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
7. Josh Scowen
His early return to the side handed Johnson a boost but though he played with plenty of energy, Sunderland’s inability to get bodies in the box and build pressure was telling, with Wyke too isolated for the most part. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Grant Leadbitter
Was the player who produced the most quality in possession, particularly early on when a couple of superb long passes deserved more. Influence faded as the game developed and his side laboured. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020