'What a footballer': Phil Smith's Sunderland player rating photos as FOUR Cats men earn 8s in Millwall win
After a goalless first half, the Black Cats took the lead when Alex Pritchard’s low cross was flicked on by Ellis Simms and Amad converted at the back post.
Pritchard then doubled his side’s lead when he controlled Lynden Gooch’s cross and beat goalkeeper George Long with a low strike, before Ellis Simms added a third in stoppage time.
The result moves Mowbray’s side up to 10th in the table, one point off a play-off place.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from the Stadium of Light:
The result moves Mowbray’s side up to 10th in the table, one point off a play-off place.
9. Alex Pritchard - 8
Struggled to impact the game in the first half but purred afterwards, breaking the game open in a brilliant ten-minute spell. Was the architect of the first goal and then finished the second superbly. Went off to a richly-deserved ovation shortly afterwards. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Jack Clarke - 6
Almost had a first-half assist but Amad was just unable to get a shot away. Put in a real shift defensively and had some bright moments. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
11. Ellis Simms - 8
Led the line intelligently and helped break the deadlock with an audacious backheel. Is noticeably sharper after the break. Really deserved his late goal. 8 Photo: Martin Swinney
12. Elliot Embleton (sub) - 6
Got into some really good areas and showed his intelligence. Couldn’t find the end product but played his part in seeing it out. 6 Photo: Frank Reid