Lee Burge: 7/10

Did everything asked of him tonight, no chance with the goal but looked more solid than he has done so far this season.

Carl Winchester: 7/10

We really need a new specialist right back but Winchester is doing a good job for the team, almost scored from distance in the second half but for a good save from the Burton goalkeeper.

Tom Flanagan: 7/10

Defensively sound, put in plenty of important blocks and bailed the team out on occasion. Was unlucky to see his last gasp header ruled out.

Callum Doyle: 6/10

Put himself and the team into trouble a couple of times with a sloppy pass but still looks far more experienced than his young age.

Dennis Cirkin: 6/10

Looks the part at left-back, hard to believe it’s only his second senior apperance. Tired in the second half and was caught out of position for Burton’s winner.

Luke O’Nien: 7/10

Did the dirty work which allowed Dan Neil to get on the ball and play.

Dan Neil: 8/10

Best player on the pitch. He’s got so much time on the ball and easily the team’s best passer, most of the good play came through him.

Aiden McGeady: 6/10

Not yet hit his stride this season, was still a threat throughout the game but his mishit attempted chip when one-on-one summed up his performance.

Elliot Embleton: 6/10

Always buzzing around behind Stewart linking up play without it really happening for him tonight.

Lynden Gooch: 6/10

Kept trying to make something happen on the right without much success and again moved to full-back, this time on the left, and would have set up the equaliser but for the offside flag.

Ross Stewart: 7/10

Excellent in the first half, leading the line as he has done so far this season. Quieter in the second half.

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Subs

Alex Pritchard: 7/10

Came on as we pushed for an equaliser, always involved with play and only the home ‘keeper kept him from scoring.

Nathan Broadhead: 6/10

Quieter than Pritchard but almost scored with his first touch as a Sunderland player.

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Man of the Match: Dan Neil

Easily the best player on the pitch tonight, Neil should have made the midfield position his own. He’s a cut above and has the best vision in the entire squad.