SUNDERLAND lost their penultimate friendly of the pre-season calendar to Accrington Stanley as it finished 2-1 on the day.

Ross Stewart’s first half penalty had the Black Cats in full control. A mistake from Bailey Wright led to a Sean McConville penalty before Korede Adedoyin’s low finish made sure of the result.

Digital Sports Writer Matty Jones assessed the player’s performances at the Wham Stadium…

SAFC XI

6 Patterson – A fairly unconvincing performance when bringing the ball out from the back. Could do little about the goals.

6 Gooch – Gave Sunderland plenty of width when Roberts jinked inside but had a quiet afternoon. Brought off after 60 minutes.

5 Wright – A quiet first half for the defender but was caught on the ball for Accrington’s opener. Not a great outing.

7 Ballard – Imperious at the back in the first half but was part of a Sunderland defence that struggled in the second.

7 Cirkin – Another positive display as Cirkin provided plenty of threat. Had two great chances to score in the first half.

7 Evans – Ticked things over in midfield really well and has great awareness of danger. Pretty faultless from the captain.

6 Neil – Not much influence on the game but showed good variation of passing in the first half.

8 Clarke – A really good performance for the winger who caused havoc. A goal would have topped off his performance.

6 Pritchard – Not a lot of influence in the game and show moments of petulance getting involved in off the ball altercations.

7 Roberts – Showed plenty of threat in the first half but was largely quiet in the second.

7 Stewart – Took his penalty well and would have scored more was it now for Lukas Jensen in goal.

Subs:

O’Nien 67’

Embleton 74’

Subs not used: Richardson, Batth, Alese, Matete, Hume, Diamond, Taylor