Sunderland came into this one hoping to make it three consecutive wins. The game immediately swung in Burtons favour, as Dylan McGeough was dispossessed in midfield, which led to a Tom Flanagan OG.
Jack Baldwin levelled to score halfway through the first half, as the defender glanced in a Leadbitter corner. The remainder of the first half was fairly equal, with the only chance of note coming to Charlie Wyke, who’s tame close-range effort was fired into the hands of Collins in goal.
The visitors had a golden opportunity to go in front in the opening five minutes of the second half. Boyce was clear on the penalty spot but seemed to slip and McLaughlin’s chest deflected the ball out of play.
Sunderland finally fought back after twenty minutes of Burton domination, as Grant Leadbitter’s brilliant lob found Charlie Wyke who hit the bar from close range. Grant Leadbitter then had a low effort deflected onto the post, leaving hearts in mouths.
The ball was in the Burton net late into stoppage time, but the referee had blown for a foul on Collins, who had dropped the ball into the path of Baldwin.
Ultimately despite the initial disappointment, this is a point that could potentially win us the promotion race. We now go second, with a game in hand and all pressure is on Barnsley. We need to slip up if they have any chance of catching us, and they’ll be feeling the pressure.
Jon McLaughlin (7/10): Busier than usual but did everything in his power to prevent a loss. However, distribution needs to improve, as it is often slow and ponderous.
Luke O’Nien (6/10): Easily beaten by the winger cutting inside but offered another option in attack.
Tom Flanagan (4/10): Struggled horribly against Boyce but was unfortunate in the own goal. Passing was aimless and often wrongly chose to go long.
Jack Baldwin (6/10): Much more switched on than Flanagan. Produced a lot of quality blocks and tackles, clearances and ultimately scored the equalising header. Could have had a second right at the death.
Bryan Oviedo (8/10): Excellent on the ball, created lots of chances with his crossing and dribbling. Contrary to popular belief, Oviedo looked committed and passionate tonight- refreshing to see from the Costa Rican.
Grant Leadbitter (7/10): Brilliant pass to set up Wyke and generally controlled the midfield.
Dylan McGeough (6/10): Didn’t do much before his evening was cut short. Gave the ball away which led to Burton’s goal.
George Honeyman (6/10): Energetic but didn’t have much end product. Struggled against the Burton physicality.
Lewis Morgan (6/10): Bright in the first half but faded very quickly. Arguably should have come off earlier than he did.
Will Grigg (6/10): Worked hard as usual and linked up with midfield quite well.
Charlie Wyke (7/10): Good hold up play and got into some fantastic positions. Could have had a hattrick.
Subs:
Max Power (6/10): Replaced Dylan McGeough early on and struggled to impact the game much. A few decent tackles which were satisfying after Burton’s dirty play.
Kaziah Sterling (6/10): The youngster showed some good touches and got into good positions. Had a golden opportunity to put us ahead but slipped.
Benji Kimpioka (7/10): The Swede was a handful for Brayford, who couldn’t contain the dynamic forward. Went on an amazing run that forced the fullback into a yellow card.
Man of the Match:
Bryan Oviedo
