Player Ratings & Comments: Slugglish players draw and lose more ground in promotion race

I hope you didn't miss a minute of that, what an absolute thriller down in Northampton. The only miracle was that the final score was 0-0, such was the rapid, incisive and relentless attacking prowess on show.

Of course, none of that was true. It really was a dreadful game to watch as Sunderland returned from a Covid-related pause in the season. The Lads hadn't trained much prior to the kick off, and that showed with a general sluggish feel throughout against a Northampton side who did not need to be particularly resolute to keep their clean sheet.

A thoroughly understandable display, but one that does not help the league table a great deal. Points on the board are always better than games in hand, and even if we won the two we have remaining over resurgent leaders Lincoln, we would still be six points off the pace.

And as quickly as football returned for Sunderland, we endure another break due to Fleetwood's similar predicament. If one positive can be taken from that, it's the opportunity to train and get more accustomed to the style of play Lee Johnson is setting out.

Alas, that is in the future but we must first address the now. And now is your opportunity to rate and comment on the player performances from yesterday! I am sure you know how to do it by now - all input greatly appreciated!