Sunderland were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw at Lincoln City. The Black Cats produced a good performance but could not make their dominance count where it mattered - in front of goal.
They hit the woodwork through Corry Evans and saw a series of chances go the wrong side of the post, while Ross Stewart was denied by a brilliant save in injury time. Alex Neil's side stay sixth in the table, but this was a missed opportunity.
And they now have just seven more games to secure a play-off spot. Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Read more: Lincoln City 0-0 Sunderland match report as wasteful Black Cats are held to a draw
Anthony Patterson 7
Little to do, but made one brilliant save late in the game to prevent Cullen snatching all three points
Carl Winchester 6
Solid on the right side of the back three
Bailey Wright 7
A couple of crucial interventions when Lincoln put the ball inside the box
Dennis Cirkin 7
Defended well and was not afraid to break forward out of defence
Lynden Gooch 6
Delivered a couple of decent crosses
Corry Evans 7
Anchored the midfield, and came as close as anyone to scoring when he hit the post in the second half
Dan Neil 6
Worked hard in central midfield
Jack Clarke 7
Offered a real attacking threat and went close on numerous occasions. Did everything but score
Luke O'Nien 7
Played just behind the front two and caused Lincoln problems
Ross Stewart 6
Generally well-marshalled by Lincoln, but had one chance at the death and brought a fine save out of the keeper
Patrick Roberts 8
Sunderland's best player by a mile - Lincoln just couldn't handle him. Looked a cut above
Subs
Leon Dajaku 6
For Clarke 74mins. Did OK
Jermain Defoe 6
For Neil 74mins. Tried to find the goal his side needed but it wouldn't come
Callum Doyle N/A
For Gooch 85mins.
Not used: Hoffmann, Embleton, Matete, Hume
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