Patrick Roberts scored twice as Sunderland turned in a fine performance to beat Reading at the Madejski Stadium. With Ellis Simms - the club's only remaining senior striker - limping off injured in the first half, things could have gone badly wrong for the Black Cats.
But Roberts scored two goals in as many minutes before the break to set Tony Mowbray's men on their way. However, it was the third goal that was the pick of the bunch when it arrived 20 minutes from time.
A brilliant team move involving Dan Neil, Patrick Roberts, Alex Pritchard, and finished by Jack Clarke, meant there was no way back for the Royals. And Sunderland could have added further goals, with Clarke and Jewison Bennette - who made his debut from the bench - both having chances late on.
MATCH REPORT: Patrick Roberts leads the way as Sunderland make light of Ellis Simms injury to defeat Reading
Here's how James Hunter rated the Black Cats players tonight.
Anthony Patterson 7
Made a couple of decent stops, but Reading offered surprisingly little threat
Luke O'Nien 7
Excellent in central defence
Danny Batth 7
A rock at the heart of Sunderland's back line
Aji Alese 7
Impressed on his first start, both as a centre-back and later at left-back
Lynden Gooch 7
Got forward whenever possible down the right
Corry Evans 8
Controlled the midfield
Dan Neil 8
Worked hard in the middle of the park and provided the assist for Clarke
Jack Clarke 7
Applied the finish to a brilliant team goal, and could have added another late in the game
Patrick Roberts 8
His quickfire double left Reading reeling. Stepped up to the plate when Sunderland had no fit centre-forwards
Alex Pritchard 8
Had to play further forward when Simms went off, and did the job superbly
Ellis Simms 7
Led the line impressively until he limped off with a toe injury, which could be a big worry for Tony Mowbray
Subs
Elliot Embleton 8
For Simms 37mins. Provided two assists for Roberts within minutes of coming off the bench
Amad Diallo 6
For Pritchard 73mins. Did well when he came on
Jay Matete 6
For Roberts 73mins. Kept it tight in midfield
Jewison Bennette N/A
For Evans 82mins.
Not used: Bass, Dajaku, Hume
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