I was dreading this game, given the respective form of both teams over the last four or five games, but I have to say the Imps were superb. Funny, they weren’t always firing but still did enough to stop Sunderland and could easily have won it without Burge’s save from Rogers and Bramall missing his chance. On the other hand I have to say how disappointed I was with Sunderland - very predictable, overly physical (almost agricultural at times) and, despite plenty of determination, didn’t show a great deal of skill or inventiveness for a ’top’ team.
Palmer - 6.5 - superbly protected by his defence and midfield but was there when he needed to be and dominated at the right times. Goal not his fault.
Poole - 7 - definitely getting better every game. Offers a real threat going forward and, apart from one occasion, had McGeady well shackled.
Jackson - 7 - last two or three games seemed to have a poor understanding with Montsma and has gone missing at times, but yesterday was excellent and hardly gave the Sunderland strikers a look-in.
Montsma - 7 - getting back to the player we know he is. Just needs to start scoring again
. Wyke hardly had a look in and was dominated by Montsma & Jackson.
Bramall - 7 - getting there. Made some great forward runs and some tackles - tried to make things happen. Just needs a better understanding with Rogers as the Sunderland goal came from them messing about in the corner. Should also have buried the chance in the second half.
Bridcutt - 9 - joint MoM for me. Superb coverage and support for the defence, the midfield and the strikers at times. Moment of brilliance when he read a dangerous situation when the CBs or Bramall went missing & he snuffed out a possible scoring opportunity just inside the box.
McGrandles - 8.5 - all over the pitch and played some beautiful passes and some lovely turns when winning possession to get away from his marker.
Edun - 9 - with Bridcutt was the heartbeat of the team and played the creative midfield role superbly.
Rogers - 6.5 - first half he was awful - again, kept on wanting to take on the whole opposition on his own and score a worldy. Second half he was much better. Moved inside slightly and was passing to release team-mates in better positions. Unlucky not to score when Burge saved. Developing nicely.
Johnson - 6 - a little surprised he came off as I didn’t think he was playing that badly, but may have been tactical.
Morton - 7 - anonymous first half but got better as the game wore on. Battled well and took his goal superbly, given that he was assaulted just before he scored.