Sunderland vs Bristol Rovers half-time ratings: How Black Cats have fared so far

Sunderland’s League One campaign almost got off to the worst possible start at home to Bristol Rovers – but they salvaged a point thanks to Chris Maguire.

The Black Cats were behind after just three minutes when goalkeeper Lee Burge fouled Mitchell-Lawson in the box to give away a penalty.

Luke Leahy smashed the spot-kick high into the net to give the hosts the lead.

Sunderland rallied a little in an open game, with Denver Hume and Aiden O’Brien going close.

But they couldn’t find a way through before the break.

The second half saw more pressing from Sunderland, but clear-cut chances were few.

Parkinson threw on Danny Graham, Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch and finally the pressure told when Hume’s cross was cleared only as far as Maguire on the edge of the area.

He took a touch and smashed his finish past Jaakkola.

LEE BURGE 5

Gave away a needless penalty inside 90 seconds, but did improve from there

JORDAN WILLIS 6

Looked solid enough

BAILEY WRIGHT 5

Struggled against Hanlan, fortunate not to be sent off for two fouls on the striker, and was eventually subbed for his own good

TOM FLANAGAN 7

Sunderland’s best defender, he read the game well

LUKE O’NIEN 6

Had a couple of half-chances and put in one or two decent crosses

GEORGE DOBSON 4

Well below his best. Gave the ball away far too often and was sent off right at the death for a reckless challenge

CHRIS MAGUIRE 7

Much better in the second half and scored the goal that earned a deserved point

MAX POWER 6

Inches away from earning Sunderland all three points in the final stages

DENVER HUME 8

Brought a good save out of Jaakkola, and his crosses offered real threat

WILL GRIGG 7

Worked hard and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet

AIDEN O’BRIEN 7

Lively, and his movement caused Rovers problems

SUBS

DANNY GRAHAM 6

For Grigg 67mins. No clear sightings of goal but helped Sunderland keep the pressure on right to the end

CHARLIE WYKE 6

For O’Brien 78mins. A couple of half-chance headers, but couldn’t put them away

LYNDEN GOOCH 6

For Wright 78mins. Quickened things up in the final third when he came on

NOT USED: Matthews, Scowen, Leadbitter, Xhemajli

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