Ron-Thorben Hoffmann: 8/10

Such an improvement in goal, had a few goal kicks go astray but made some very important stops including an incredible fingertip save onto the post late on.

Carl Winchester: 7/10

Typical display from Winchester, solid defensively and always keen to get forward to get a shot off.

Tom Flanagan: 8/10

Scored the winner and had to stand up at the end as Gillingham threw everything at us. A bit slow for the host’s penalty but made up for it later.

Callum Doyle: 7/10

Did not really get a chance to impress on the ball today but did well defensively in what must be one of the more difficult fixtures for an 18-year-old central defender.

Dennis Cirkin: 7/10

Another solid display defensively by Cirkin, made one good headed block late on and had a really good chance to score but hesitated too long.

Luke O’Nien: 5/10

Gave away the penalty with a stupid challenge and was poor on the ball for most of the game, did stand up defensively at the end as we were bombarded.

Dan Neil: 6/10

In and out of the game today. Great cross for the opening goal and was starting to stand out before the red card.

Elliot Embleton: 4/10

Industrious display without much coming off for him but needlessly dove in after he lost possession and put the team under pressure when they had got well on top.

Alex Pritchard: 6/10

Similar to Neil, in and out but great cross for the winner, was more involved in the second half but his afternoon brought to an early end after Embleton’s red.

Aiden O’Brien: 7/10

Scored the opening goal and worked his socks off all game.

Ross Stewart: 6/10

Did not have much to work with today, very quiet up front but worked very hard to help the team see out a difficult end to the game.

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Subs

Bailey Wright: 6/10

Came on at right back following Embleton’s red card as Lee Johnson brought everyone back to see out the game.

Will Harris: 6/10

Very late substitute but a league debut for the young striker.

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Man of the Match: Ron-Thorben Hoffmann

Just edges out Tom Flanagan for my man of the match. The save near the end where he tipped the ball onto the post from a long range header was as good as a goal, what a fantastic signing by the club.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images