The surprising new key man and the player who needed an arm around the shoulder: Behind the scenes at Doncaster 1-1 Sunderland

We take a look at some of the moments you might have missed from the League One stalemate – from an arm around the shoulder to a look of disbelief…

A WARM WELCOME

No matter what level they play at, Sunderland are always sure of a warm welcome wherever they may play.

And while the number of fans greeting the players as they exit the team coach may have understandably dipped given the current behind closed doors landscape, the Black Cats were welcomed to the Keepmoat Stadium by a number of local supporters.

There was a rendition of ‘happy birthday’ for Luke O’Nien, cheers as youngster Jack Diamond exited the coach, and words of encouragement for Bailey Wright and Chris Maguire which were met with smiles and waves.

But the shout from one South Yorkshire native that Josh Scowen ‘should have never left Barnsley’ perhaps wasn’t as warmly received.

THE PRE-MATCH PACING

Sunderland, as they have done for much of the season, travelled with extra players to Doncaster.

While only 18 can be named in a match day squad, the Black Cats brought three additional players – in case of injury or illness on the eve of the match.

It’s a smart move in the current climate, where any cough or splutter can see a player quickly sidelined for a game.

But with a squad with the depth of Sunderland’s, it means that some players are forced to sit out and watch on from the sidelines.

George Dobson was one of those left out this time around, and was seen pacing the touchline as the teamsheets were exchanged.

It was perhaps harsh on the midfielder, who had impressed against Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy while drawing praise from his manager – but such are the options at Phil Parkinson’s disposal that some talented players are inevitably going to be left out.

Dan Neil and Brandon Taylor also travelled with the squad and watched the game from the stands, with the duo likely brought as additional cover given the absences of Jordan Willis and Aiden O’Brien through injury.

THE ARM AROUND THE SHOULDER

A regular feature in recent weeks has been the extra work Chris Maguire has been doing after Sunderland complete their pre-match warm-up.

While the rest of the players retreat back down the tunnel, the forward stays out for an extra minute with Steve Parkin – completing a quick drill to refine his touch ahead of kick-off.

And after that process was completed at Doncaster, Parkin was quick to put an arm around the shoulder of Maguire and deliver a quick word of encouragement into his ear.

Maguire is a player who thrives on confidence, and Parkin’s words seemed to have the desired effect in the first-half.

While Maguire wasn’t as effective on the ball as he may have wished, his off the ball work helped drive Sunderland forward as they put in a first-half performance as good as any we've seen this season.

A SURPRISING EMERGENCE

On what ultimately became a disappointing afternoon for Sunderland, the performance of Conor McLaughlin was a real positive to take.

The Northern Irish international has been a consistently good performer for the Black Cats since he returned to the side at Swindon Town in October, and impressed again at Doncaster.

He was strong at the back and provided a threat in the final third too, combining well with Luke O’Nien and Chris Maguire as Sunderland enjoyed plenty of joy down the right flank.

Indeed, he was arguably unlucky not to register an assist after a fine move in the first-half.

McLaughlin’s superb cross looked destined to be met by the boot of Denver Hume at the back post, only for the ball to knick off the head of Josh Scowen and away from Hume.

It was the kind of fine margin that has gone against the Black Cats in recent weeks, and the moments the side need to make count if they are to reignite their season.

THE CELEBRATION THAT SAID IT ALL

Sometimes all you can do is look on in awe.

And that’s exactly what Luke O’Nien did as Grant Leadbitter sent his first-half rocket into the top corner to hand Sunderland a deserved lead.

As the visiting bench rejoiced and players flocked to congratulate the midfielder, O’Nien stood on the right flank with his hands behind his head, attempting to take in the moment of class he had just witnessed.

It was a reaction echoed by many in the press box, and no doubt by many watching from home too.

Leadbitter’s strike was a moment of class not often seen in League One, and shows the quality many hoped he would bring when he arrived from Middlesbrough in 2019.

That quality is really coming to the fore now.

A TELLING TOUCHLINE SHOUT

In the opening stages of the second half, Sunderland were forced to do their fair share of defending as Doncaster looked for an instant response.

That’s perhaps to be expected. Let’s not forget that Doncaster are a side who themselves will hold promotion ambitions and will have been keen to push forward on home soil after a disappointing first half.

But in the first ten minutes of the half, the Black Cats were getting deeper and deeper.

It was recognised by Parkinson who, after a Doncaster chance came to pass, called out to Bailey Wright to drive the side higher up the field.

He did that, pushing Sunderland forward and keeping the hosts at an arms' length.

But as is so often the case, that defensive line dropped deeper and deeper as we entered injury time.

And ultimately, Doncaster took advantage of that.

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