PLAYER RATINGS: Accrington 1-3 Sunderland - here’s how we rated the Lads after their big win!

Jon McLaughlin: 6/10

Poor for the opening goal, in my opinion, as he hastily rushed out and was easily beaten by the Accrington striker. Better showing thereafter, but still not looking as dominant as he was last season.

Denver Hume: 7/10

Looked solid in defence and provided a lovely assist for the opening goal. The second half he looked to get forward more often and showed some impressive touches. Promising performance.

Jordan Willis: 7/10

Didn’t cover himself in glory for the opening goal, but that opportunity should never have been more than a half chance. Other than that he looked dependable and calm on the ball. Another solid showing.

Alim Ozturk: 7/10

Looked a little shaky on occasion, but largely dependable. Battled well and also decent with the ball at his feet again.

Luke O’Nien: 5/10

I thought O’Nien looked off the pace today as Accrington’s pacey wide players gave him real trouble defensively. Offensively he was relatively anonymous, too. A game to forget.

George Dobson: 6/10

Tidy play, but didn’t really assert any dominance over proceedings. Some good tackles and a few nice runs forward, but both he and Leadbitter looked a little overwhelmed at times.

Grant Leadbitter: 6/10

Struggled with the pace of the game somewhat in the first half, but looked more comfortable in the second after the wind had been taken out of Accrington’s sails.

Aiden McGeady: 7/10

Great goal from seemingly nothing as a stray interception lands at his feet and he puts it the top corner. Quiet in spells, but unplayable at times, too.

Chris Maguire: 8/10

A great return for Maguire who was a nuisance throughout. He showed a real cool head for our third and provided a great assist when he could just have easily had a shot or gone down for a penalty.

Marc McNulty: 7/10

A really tidy finish for the third, McNulty made some great runs and caused the Accrington defence all sorts of problems. Defensively he was very lively, too.

Lynden Gooch: 8/10

Equalised within two minutes of the Lads going behind with a great acrobatic effort. He looked lively at times and showed some nice touches - another impressive performance full of energy and determination.

(SUB) Dylan McGeouch: 6/10

Came on for the tiring Leadbitter and worked well in the middle. Didn’t have much to do with the ball at his feet, but provided the legs to see out the game.

(SUB) Will Grigg: 6/10

On for Chris Mgaguire and made some really promising runs with the ball; looked lively in his cameo until he missed a glorious opportunity late on.

(SUB) Elliot Embleton: 6/10

Came on and had a few nice touches. Probably would have liked more minutes - and needed them to get himself into the game.

Man of the Match: Chris Maguire