How did the players fare in Sunderland's 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth?


SUNDERLAND (4-1-4-1):

6 McLaughlin: A reliable last line of defence but there was little he could do to keep Pompey at bay after Loovens saw red

8 O’NIEN: Looks like Sunderland could have an accomplished attacking full-back on their books judging by an impressive display, topped off with a fine goal

5 Loovens: A moment’s lapse in concentration by the Dutchman allowed Hawkins to run free on goal and cost the experienced defender and his team dearly

7 Baldwin: Left Portsmouth with his head held high, relishing the aerial battle with Pompey striker Hawkins and holding the defence together after Loovens’ dismissal

7 James: Deserves credit for managing to keep his marauding winger quiet and setting up O’Nien’s goal

7 Gooch: Showed plenty of promise throughout the first half but found himself pushed on to the back foot after the penalty

6 Cattermole: Provided a solid shield for his central defence but was bypassed whenever Pompey went direct to Hawkins

6 Honeyman: Kept things ticking over nicely in midfield but withdrawn after getting booked

6 McGeady: Failed to live up to matchday programme billing as one of League One’s best players and found himself nullified by tight marking

6 Power: A high-energy performance made sure that Pompey didn’t have it all their own way after the sending-off.

6 Watmore: Showed glimpses of the pace and poise which will serve Sunderland well in the push for promotion


Subs:

5 Ozturk (for Watmore, 49): Was brought on to try to hold things together in the wake of Loovens’ red card, but couldn’t keep Pompey at bay

5 Maguire (for Honeyman, 59): Sunderland were saddled with a man disadvantage by the time he came on to the field

Sinclair (for McGeady, 79)

(not used): Ruiter (gk), Oviedo, McGeouch, Maja.


PORTSMOUTH (4-2-3-1):

MacGillivray 6; B Thompson 5, Whatmough 6, Clarke 7, Brown 6; Naylor 6, N Thompson 7; Lowe 6, G Evans 6 (Close 72), CURTIS 9 (A Green, 88); Hawkins 8 (Pitman, 80).

Subs (not used): Bass (gk), Walkes, Burgess, Wheeler.


Man Of The Match: RONAN CURTIS – The Sunderland defence was all at sea when the Republic of Ireland international set his sights on goal.