PLAYER RATINGS: Sunderland 3-2 Grimsby - Here’s how the Lads rated after a Leasing.com Cup win

Lee Burge: 5/10

Maybe could have reacted more quickly to prevent the Grimsby opener and was largely a spectator outside of conceding twice from close range.

Bali Mumba: 5/10

Targeted mercifully by the Grimsby forwards, Mumba did a reasonable job holding his own defensively, but still struggled to match the League Two players’ physicality at times. Our teenage prodigy tried to be positive and incisive going forward but struggled with his final ball.

Brandon Taylor: 5/10

Used the ball sensibly, but struggled with his defensive duties, the undersized centre half was arguably at fault for both goals.

Joel Lynch: 5/10

Looked completely uninterested in playing in the match. Tried dumb Hollywood passes and switched off defensively on multiple occasions . Simply looked like he didn’t want to be there.

Denver Hume: 6/10

Showed great improvement from his league form, his final ball looked way better than it has at any other point this season, including his majestic cross to set up Grigg at the death.

George Dobson: 7/10

Stood out, mainly for his willingness to play with a higher level of intensity than his teammates, Dobson even went in for a couple crunching tackles.

Grant Leadbitter: 6/10

Used the ball well and provided some of Sunderland’s most inventive moments.

Luke O’Nien: 5/10

Played like a distracted footballer, his touch disappeared completely at times, and there was none of O’Nien’s trademark energy.

Duncan Watmore: 7/10

Looked sharp in his return, creating some of Sunderland’s best chances, and finishing smartly in the second half.

Will Grigg: 6/10

Took his chance brilliantly, showed flickers of potential chemistry and understanding alongside McNulty up front too.

Marc McNulty: 7/10

Started poorly squandering a couple early openings, before steadily improving finding more and more time on the ball in half-spaces.

(SUB) Lynden Gooch: n/a

Barely touched it in a ten minute cameo.

(SUB) Lee Connelly: n/a

Brought on at the death with the game won.

(SUB) Cole Kiernan: n/a

The youngster was given a brief run out in stoppage time.

Man of the Match: Marc McNulty