How they rated: PNE v Sunderland
NORTH END
Had no chance with the Sunderland goals. Big shout for handball outside the box against him from the visitors in the second half.
Darnell Fisher 7
Steady game at right-back up against McGeady for large parts. Booked for kicking the ball away after conceding a free-kick.
Paul Huntington 6
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Hide AdMade a decent enough start but not quite up to his usual standards as Vaughan gave him a tough afternoon.
Ben Davies 8
Made a great sliding block to take the ball away from Lee Cattermole. On the flip side, McGeady got the better of him for the second goal.
Josh Earl 8
Very mature display at left-back from the teenager, coped with much that came down his side of the pitch.
Alan Browne 7
Had to play a deeper role and not as effective as he was further forward at Hull. Hit the post shortly after Sunderland’s equaliser.
Daniel Johnson 8
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Hide AdReally came to the fore in the second half as he tried to get North End going from midfield, good passing range.
Tom Barkhuizen 6
Did not make the impact on the game he would have wanted. Good run in the first half to set up a chance for Browne was his best moment.
Josh Harrop 7
Scored Preston’s first goal with a free-kick and moved the ball round quite well in the No.10 role.
Sean Maguire 6
Played on the left-hand side of the attack before being moved into the middle when Hugill went off. Lost his footing quite a lot.
Jordan Hugill 7
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Hide AdHis finish for North End’s second goal was worth the admission money alone. Superb technique on the volley.
subs used
Daryl Horgan 6
Busy performance after replacing Barkhuizen but he is more effective running on to the ball.
Stephy Mavididi 6
Came on for Hugill in the 77th minute and played down the left. Did not make a big impact as PNE chased a winner.
Callum Robinson 6
Only got five minutes at the end, surprising after being the midweek matchwinner.
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Hide AdSubs not used: Marnick Vermijl, Calum Woods, Tommy Spurr, Mathew Hudson.
SUNDERLAND: Steele, Jones (Oviedo 70), Browning, O’Shea. Matthews, Cattermole, NDong, Honeyman (Williams 83), Gooch (Watmore 64), McGeady, Vaughan. Subs (not used): McManaman, Kone, Gibson, Ruiter.
REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh 6
ATTENDANCE: 17,621 (2,929 away)