How they rated: PNE v Sunderland

NORTH END

Had no chance with the Sunderland goals. Big shout for handball outside the box against him from the visitors in the second half.

Darnell Fisher 7

Steady game at right-back up against McGeady for large parts. Booked for kicking the ball away after conceding a free-kick.

Paul Huntington 6

Made a decent enough start but not quite up to his usual standards as Vaughan gave him a tough afternoon.

Ben Davies 8

Made a great sliding block to take the ball away from Lee Cattermole. On the flip side, McGeady got the better of him for the second goal.

Josh Earl 8

Very mature display at left-back from the teenager, coped with much that came down his side of the pitch.

Alan Browne 7

Had to play a deeper role and not as effective as he was further forward at Hull. Hit the post shortly after Sunderland’s equaliser.

Daniel Johnson 8

Really came to the fore in the second half as he tried to get North End going from midfield, good passing range.

Tom Barkhuizen 6

Did not make the impact on the game he would have wanted. Good run in the first half to set up a chance for Browne was his best moment.

Josh Harrop 7

Scored Preston’s first goal with a free-kick and moved the ball round quite well in the No.10 role.

Sean Maguire 6

Played on the left-hand side of the attack before being moved into the middle when Hugill went off. Lost his footing quite a lot.

Jordan Hugill 7

His finish for North End’s second goal was worth the admission money alone. Superb technique on the volley.

subs used

Daryl Horgan 6

Busy performance after replacing Barkhuizen but he is more effective running on to the ball.

Stephy Mavididi 6

Came on for Hugill in the 77th minute and played down the left. Did not make a big impact as PNE chased a winner.

Callum Robinson 6

Only got five minutes at the end, surprising after being the midweek matchwinner.

Subs not used: Marnick Vermijl, Calum Woods, Tommy Spurr, Mathew Hudson.

SUNDERLAND: Steele, Jones (Oviedo 70), Browning, O’Shea. Matthews, Cattermole, NDong, Honeyman (Williams 83), Gooch (Watmore 64), McGeady, Vaughan. Subs (not used): McManaman, Kone, Gibson, Ruiter.

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh 6

ATTENDANCE: 17,621 (2,929 away)