Sunderland 2-1 Blackburn – Match Report & Player Ratings

Report

Super-sub Ellis Simms scores stoppage time winner as Sunderland come from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers.

Sunderland move closer to the play-off places, and they could creep into them depending on the rest of the results today.

Rovers took the lead after just 18 minutes after Tyler Morton’s free-kick was taken and Ross Stewart headed against Dennis Cirkin and the ball ricocheted and found its way in.

It only took Sunderland 4 minutes to respond as Ross Stewart was fouled in the area by John Buckley.

Stewart stepped up and sent the ‘Keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1.

as the game went on, both sides were struggling to break the other down.

The Black Cats did however, have a huge opportunity to go in front early in the second half when Jack Clarke played Stewart through, but his finish was tame.

Blackburn had a chance to win the game, but Anthony Patterson pulled off an unbelievable save from Tyler Morton’s effort.

Just as the game looked over, Sunderland pumped in a hopeful free-kick in added time and Dan Ballard’s touch found Ellis Simms who toe poked in the winner!

Player Ratings

Anthony Patterson – 7/10

Not much he could do for their goal, but made a brilliant save late on.

Lynden Gooch – 7/10

Had the best game he’s had for a while, linked up well with Roberts. Shame he had to go off, hopefully nothing serious.

Luke O’Nien – 7/10

Decent defensive performance, formed a good partnership with Ballard.

Dan Ballard – 7/10

Same as above.

Corry Evans – 7/10

A typical, calm performance by the captain.

Dan Neil – 7/10

Always looked a threat going forward, got stuck in and had a decent game.

Amad Diallo – 7/10

Brilliant in the first half, quieter in the second but always looked a threat.

Jack Clarke – 6/10

Kept trying to make things happen, but not much came off today.

Patrick Roberts – 6/10

Linked up well with Gooch, but his final ball wasn’t great.

Ross Stewart – 7/10

Started to tire towards the end, but he never stopped closing down, and took.his penalty brilliantly.

SUBS

Trai Hume – 6/10

Didn’t do much wrong, did his job.

Bailey Wright – 6/10

Same as Hume.

Ellis Simms – 7/10

Caused plenty of problems when he came on and grabbed the winning goal at the end.

MoTM – Ross Stewart.