Player Ratings & Report: Peterborough 1-1 Sunderland - Promotion hopes dented by Godden goal

Match Review

Sunderland had the better of the opening twenty minutes or so of the game without really threatening the Peterborough goal - though Lewis Morgan had a penalty appeal waved away which the Lads fans in the London Road away end seemed to think was a stone-waller.

The best chance of the first half came seven minutes from the break, and it was a sitter. After a superb through ball from Lee Cattermole played him in, Charlie Wyke raced through on goal but could only put his shot wide of the mark.

Sunderland came close on a number of occasions as we got in behind their full backs with ease, but sadly the quality of the crossing was sorely lacking.

So, despite repeadly threatening to score, Sunderland went in to the break level.

Near the start of the second half there was some controversy surrounding the already booked Bryan Oviedo and Marcus Maddison. The Peterborough winger fell to the floor and it looked like Oviedo would be sent off for a second yellow, but the linesman overruled and Maddison was booked instead for diving.

As the half wore on and the heat took its toll the tempo of both teams noticeably dropped. Jack Ross, knowing nothing but a win was good enough, brought on Will Grigg in place of George Honeyman to play in the 4-4-2 formation that was criticised following the defeat to Coventry.

Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire were also introduced to try and give Sunderland a much-needed spark as their search for a goal got more and more tense with each passing minute.

With just three minutes left on the clock the elusive goal was found - an absolute bullet from Max Power from range.

But, the lead lasted all of three minutes when an equally impressive goal from Matt Godden rescued the point for Peterborough.

Automatic promotion is now out of Sunderland’s hands with just three games remaining - next week’s face off with Portsmouth now looks an enormous task for Jack Ross and his side.

Player Ratings

Ed’s Note: Player ratings are a wholly subjective number purely meant as an indicator for the fans who didn’t watch the match, and are the opinion of ONE person - the writer of this article.

Jon McLaughlin, 6/10: Quiet game for the Scotland goalkeeper, who was notably more assured in possession of the ball at his feet. Couldn’t have done much about the goal.

Bryan Oviedo, 7/10: Was a big reason behind why Sunderland had so much joy down the left hand side.

Jimmy Dunne, 7/10: Won everything in the air. Another canny performance from the youngster.

Alim Ozturk, 6/10: Poor timing almost led to Toney racing through on goal in the second half but otherwise did okay.

Luke O’Nien, 6/10: Worked his nuts off again. Much more comfortable defensive performance than we’ve seen recently.

Max Power, 8/10: He seems more like the Max Power we thought we were getting in the summer. Great goal too.

Lee Cattermole, 6/10: Not as industrious as his partner but we’re clearly more organised with him on the pitch.

George Honeyman, 5/10: Plays an important role when Wyke is the lone-man up top but as the game wore on he was the one yanked in order to get an extra body up top. Finishing wasn’t up to scratch and despite working hard, didn’t offer enough.

Aiden McGeady, 6/10: Had the beating of his man every time he got the ball out wide in the first half but not as effective in the second. Set pieces were poor also.

Lewis Morgan, 6/10: Busy. I’ve enjoyed watching him in recent weeks - seems to be finding his feet. Was hooked for Gooch when he was offering us quite a bit out wide.

Charlie Wyke, 6/10: Won absolutely everything again in the air but should have done better when he was through on goal in the first half.

(SUB) Will Grigg, 5/10: Didn’t really offer us much when he came on.

(SUB) Lynden Gooch, 4/10: All fart and nee sh*te unfortunately.

(SUB) Chris Maguire, 6/10: Nice to see him back in the team.

Man of the Match: Max Power.