Player Ratings: Lincoln 0-4 Sunderland - Mackems remind League One that they are in the mix

Lee Burge: 7/10

Played a crucial role in Sunderland’s dominant half-time scoreline, came out on top in three one-on-ones forcing misses from Lincoln attackers.

Conor McLaughlin: 8/10

Defended well and played a brilliant back post cross to help create Sunderland’s second goal.

Bailey Wright: 7/10

Enjoyed a much-needed quieter game, looked back to his old reliable self in possession.

Tom Flanagan: 7/10

In a reversal of recent performances Flanagan looked assured in possession and disastrous without it. He struggled in his matchup against Tom Hopper in the first half and struggled to contain the striker without fouling.

Flanagan was a lot better in the second half and was a calming presence helping to take the sting out of the game with his composure and calmness on the ball. The growing confidence many Sunderland players are showing under Lee Johnson was best exemplified by Flanagan’s brilliant through ball to release Chris Maguire in the build up to Sunderland’s fourth. I’m not sure he’d have shown the same ambition and self-belief two weeks ago.

Callum McFadzean: 6/10

Headed into a brilliant area to set up Wyke’s goal, remains a weak link defensively. The Imps had two great chances on the break as a direct result of McFadzean’s suspect decision-making.

Grant Leadbitter: 8/10

Buried the opener from the spot, started the counter for the second with a brilliant interception and played some wonderful long range passes.

Josh Scowen: 6/10

Lively as always struggled with his passing and final ball at times, but played an important role in Sunderland’s pressing.

Max Power: 8/10

Linked up well with Diamond to set him free for our penalty, played with great intensity and aggression to inspire his teammates.

Jack Diamond: 8/10

Diamond’s pace and dribbling ability creates chaos in football matches. Lincoln simply didn’t have an answer for his speed and trickery. Beyond winning the penalty that inspired this vital win, Diamond also showcased real class to finish across goal on his weaker foot to make it three first half Sunderland goals.

Aiden McGeady: 8/10

Sprinkled his undoubted quality across the game, with moments of genuine class. McGeady’s ability to disrupt a League One match with game-changing instincts was best seen in his run and perfectly timed through ball to release Diamond for Sunderland’s third goal.

Charlie Wyke: 8/10

Led the line with real aggression and intelligence. Scored the perfect poacher’s goal to double Sunderland’s lead and made a real nuisance of himself winning free kicks and releasing others into dangerous areas.

Showed real confidence and the swagger of an in-form striker burying Sunderland’s fourth into the top corner without hesitation.

(SUB) Chris Maguire: 8/10

An ideal man to bring on when you need to kill the game. Maguire showed his class and awareness to outfox a Lincoln defender and set up Wyke’s second goal.

(SUB) George Dobson: 7/10

Kept things simple and was tidy on the ball, Dobson had the luxury of replacing Scowen with the points all but already sealed.

(SUB) Dion Sanderson: 7/10

Looked confident and sharp, enjoying the luxury of playing for a team that was already four up. Never looked in danger of giving away the ball or giving the hosts a chance at a consolation goal.

(SUB) Elliot Embleton: 7/10

Had a decent understanding and partnership with McFadzean in just over ten minutes on the pitch.

(SUB) Will Grigg: N/A

Unfortunately didn’t get any opportunities to add to the scoreline.

Man of the Match

Aiden McGeady