A familiar story really. We were the better side in the first half, getting into some decent areas, but could not find a moment of quality in the final third when we needed it.
Sunderland predictably upped their game after the break and controlled the majority of the half, and we were simply not good enough to respond. That said, the visitors created virtually nothing in open play over the ninety minutes and it was frustrating to be done by a set piece yet again, the absence of Clarke probably contributing. Rovers were also denied a stonewall penalty for a foul on Gilmour, and I thought it was a very harsh second yellow card for Manny.
Sunderland were no great shakes tonight, but the lack of quality in our side, particularly in the attacking areas, was telling. I thought the performance of Wilson was one positive, and defensively we were pretty solid considering the number of enforced changes there were at the back. I also thought Gilmour should have come on earlier, as there was absolutely no creativity in midfield after half time.
With Ferrier and Ridehalgh both off injured, and Monthe suspended, Saturday's game looks very tough already and we simply have to win it.