The game was almost abandoned in the latter stages after a melee broke out which ended with staff from both teams on the pitch to try and restore order, before an altogether calmer conclusion.
In terms of the football itself it was a decent performance from Tony Mowbray’s Sunderland, Amad scoring the crucial goal in the first half with another fine finish. They should have extended that lead either side of the break but were unable to make the most of some excellent build-up play.
On the injury front it was a mixed picture: Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese and Lynden Gooch returned but the game came too soon for Dan Ballard, Ross Stewart and Edouard Michut.
Mowbray fielded two almost entirely separate XI’s for each half, so who took their chance to impress and stake a claim ahead of Millwall’s visit next weekend?
Here we run you through our player ratings from the game...
17. ALEX PRITCHARD
Missed one good opening and almost scored a late free kick. A real threat at the start of the half but that faded as the tempo of the game dropped all round late on, particularly after the melee. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2022
18. JACK CLARKE
Similar to Pritchard, looked sharp and in good order. Helped create big chances at the start of the half. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
19. JAY MATETE
Glided forward in possession and the opposition could rarely get near him - a very composed showing even despite one late error in possession. Feels as if he is really starting to knock on the door. 7 Photo: FRANK REID
20. LEON DAJAKU
Got into some really dangerous areas but couldn’t quite convert when a couple of good openings fell to him. 6 Photo: Frank Reid