Ron-Thorben Hoffmann: 6/10

Some good and some bad on his debut. Nervy at times but good distribution, thought he looked more assured as the game went on.

Carl Winchester: 8/10

Hard to believe he’s playing out of position, really good defensively and always a threat going forward. Deservedly got the winner from a move he started himself with a good ball up the line to Stewart.

Tom Flanagan: 7/10

Looks far more confident this season, solid as a rock and better with the ball. Shame he got booked and will miss the next game.

Callum Doyle: 7/10

Continued his excellent partnership with Flanagan as Accrington forced us to battle for all three points.

Dennis Cirkin: 7/10

Would like to see him more involved going forward but very good defensively and made a goal saving block in the second half.

Luke O’Nien: 7/10

Not sure how much longer he can keep playing with the shoulder of his popping out so often but the effort he puts in regardless is amazing.

Dan Neil: 8/10

Scored a fantastic left footed screamer in the first half, almost set up Gooch just before then with a good cross and has made the midfield position his own.

Aiden McGeady: 7/10

Started on the right today and put in his best performance of the season, set up Winchester for the winner with a good through ball and was unlucky not to score.

Elliot Embleton: 7/10

Always involved and probably should have scored a third late but dallied a little.

Lynden Gooch: 6/10

Had a couple of efforts in the first half where he should have done better, particularly the header. Worked as his socks off as usual but his final ball is missing at the moment.

Ross Stewart: 7/10

Lead the line superbly, as usual, only real chance saw the visiting goalkeeper do well to prevent the big Scot going around him when one-on-one.

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Subs

Alex Pritchard (69 mins): 5/10

Struggled to get into the game despite coming on with 20 minutes to go. Worked hard off the ball.

Bailey Wright (83 mins): 6/10

Came on late on as we saw out the game.

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Man of the Match: Carl Winchester

Scored the winner, almost scored from his own half and sent a cracking left foot effort just wide of the post in the first half. All this from a midfielder playing out of position at right back, a position he is looking increasing assured in.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

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