Sunderland 1 Shrewsbury Town 0 - Player ratings

Matija Sarkic

A mixed afternoon. Beaten by a fine looping header early on. Rushed out of goal twice to mixed effect, once to clear and once was beaten but survived.

Beaten 6

Matthew Pennington

Produced a second assured performance in Town colours. Pennington is a good size, wins his headers and is a strong and powerful runner. Played a couple of good long balls too.

Assured 7

Ethan Ebanks-Landell

Was beaten by Charlie Wyke’s towering leap and expert header for the game’s decisive goal. Was caught once by a long ball over the top but stuck to his task and defended well generally.

Steady 6

Aaron Pierre

Typically strong in his challenges and his distribution was mostly sound. Helped Town tighten up at the back after a ropey start .

Improved 6

Ro-Shaun Williams

A second outing in the unfamiliar right wing-back position since Matt Millar’s departure. Williams was beaten by the talented Aiden McGeady for the goal and again soon after, his crosses at times left a little to be desired, barring one excellent second-half delivery.

Unfamiliar 6

Ollie Norburn

Tried to set the tone early on with an energetic display, but the ball would not stick for Town early on. Industrious, but not able to inspire his side to a leveller.

Industrious 6

Josh Vela

Looked in good shape again, was lively and busy around the park, getting forward when he could and tracking back well to help out defensively.

Busy 6

Donald Love

A real surprise inclusion at left wing-back for a first league start in 11 months. Considering that and playing out of position, Love can be pleased. He was largely solid and offered an attacking outlet.

Surprise 7

Harry Chapman

Looks a real talent. Was Shrewsbury’s best player, almost scoring an individual wonder goal before the break. Looks to be a very good find.

Sharp 7

Shaun Whalley

The talented attacker couldn’t quite inspire Town to the level he usually does. Shot over in the second half after a good run. Was a little quiet.

Quieter 6

Leon Clarke

Looked very rusty early on and was caught offside on a number of occasions before missing a glaring chance that Town needed to take. Improved after break.

Gilt-edged 6

Substitutes

Ryan Sears (for Williams, 66) 6; Sean Goss (for Clarke, 78); Daniel Udoh (for Love, 88). Subs not used: Burgoyne, Golbourne, Edwards, Cummings.