cheers again RTB... not a fan of these nervy endings like, maybe should have put this one to bed but a win is a win. is it just me or does cirkin look far more assured now? slight touch of debut nerves from the hoff maybe but otherwise a decent start from him, few times he came and got hold of the ball where the tendency now seems to be to push it out, much prefer to see a keeper hold the ball. again, a ref who wanted to make a bit of a name by not being 'bullied' by our crowds, honestly i just wish they would get on and ref the bloody game but they really make it obvious that THEY are the ones in charge and they spoil many a game. good game from accrington mind, gave us a real good test...won't say we 'flew through it' but we edged it.
Both full backs had good games. Winiesta was my MOTM and has made the RB position his own in my view. As for the ref.....diabolical!
Roker Report - Player Ratings: 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. 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. 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.
That was harder than it should have been. Need to be more clinical in front of goal. Some excellent attacking play going forward. We looked a bit dodgy from set pieces. Great to watch though. Winiesta laaaaddddd
I think we have had a tough start but obviously done great. Doesnt mean there are easy games to come but I do think the likes of MK Dons and Accrington will surprise teams and Wycombe will be up there at the end.
Winchester man, some boy. Thought the keeper looked nervy but decent, he will be fine after 3-4 games. Started great could and should have been 2 or 3 up, but we’ve a lot more heart now, when we take a hit we don’t shrink. Genuinely can’t see how we don’t go up. There’s confidence as a Sunderland fan
