PREVIEW | Rovers vs Sunderland

20 November 2020

Rovers return to action this weekend to take on Sunderland at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Darren Moore’s side haven’t played in Sky Bet League One since the 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon on November 3.

Sunderland’s recent form

After a positive start to the season, the Black Cats have had mixed fortunes over their past six league games. They were beaten 3-1 by Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on October 24 which ended their unbeaten start to the campaign. The following week was more productive in terms of points earned, with a 2-2 draw at Rochdale followed up with a 2-0 victory at Gillingham.

They began November with a hard fought 2-1 win at home to promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town, but were beaten 2-1 by MK Dons in their last league outing.

The man in charge

Former Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson was appointed as Sunderland manager in October 2019, replacing Jack Ross. Since taking over, Parkinson has been in charge of 46 matches, winning 19, drawing 13 and losing 14, giving him an overall win percentage of 41.3%

Ones to watch

Luke O’Nien

Capable of playing in defence or midfield, O’Nien has become a firm fans favourite since his move to Sunderland from Wycombe Wanderers in the summer of 2018. His combative style has helped him establish himself as an integral part of the starting XI, and he will be key to helping the Black Cats strive for promotion once again this season.

Chris Maguire

The Scottish midfielder has been one of Sunderland’s key men since he arrived at the club in 2018. Before arriving in the north-east, Maguire had spells with Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Oxford before finding a home at the Stadium of Light. His first season saw him score some brilliant long-range goals, as he helped Sunderland reach the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final. He also scored against Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium last season.

Charlie Wyke

The big front-man arrived at Sunderland in 2018 and was seen as a focal point in attack as they looked for an immediate return to the second tier. Having started his career with Middlesbrough, it was with Bradford City where Wyke really made his name in the EFL, notching a number of goals and earning a move back to the north-east with Sunderland.

Since his arrival his physical presence has been crucial to the way they set up, with his goal threat and ability to bring others into play standing out more often than not.

Last time out

The two sides battled to a goalless draw when they last met back in January at the Stadium of Light in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

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Wright looking forward to Sunderland test

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REPORT | Rovers 1 Sunderland 1

21 November 2020

A last minute goal from Fejiri Okenabirhie secures a point for Rovers against promotion-chasing Sunderland.

Joe Lumley came straight into the side to make his Rovers debut after joining on an emergency loan deal on Friday following Joe Bursik’s recall by Stoke City.

The QPR loanee seemed like part of the furniture from the start. He was a constant vocal voice within the team, making sure his backline were organised at all times.

Within the early stages of the game there was not a lot to separate the two sides who evenly exchanged possession but neither side managed to press into any goalscoring positions to test either goalkeeper.

That was until the 22^nd minute when the game had the first shot on target when Chris Maguire tried his luck on the half volley from outside the box. It went directly into the gloves of Lumley. Maguire was desperate to bring the game to life, with another attempt on goal being dragged wide from 25-yards out.

Sunderland’s set pieces were no trouble for Lumley or his defence to deal with, with their efforts coming off target. The closest they did come was later on in the first half when Conor McLaughlin’s header was punched away by Lumley.

There were very vocal appeals for a Sunderland penalty with Joe Wright challenging former Rovers attacker Lynden Gooch in the box. The appeals were not even considered by referee John Busby so play continued with Rovers clearing any danger away.

The first chance for Rovers – and the only of the half – came on the half hour mark as Jason Lokilo’s cross was met by the head of Fejiri Okenabirhie, but the Rovers forward was unable to direct it on target.

Minutes before half-time Grant Leadbitter scored an unstoppable goal from 30-yards to give the Black Cats a boost before the interval.

The second-half continued where it left off with Sunderland dominating the game, but Rovers continued to chip away at Phil Parkinson’s side. Their persistence eventually paid off with Lokilo stroking the ball inches wide of Remi Matthews’ goal.

Eventually Rovers created more swagger moving into their final third, with Matt Smith testing Matthews from afar. Later on the ball fell awkwardly at Okenabirhie’s foot which took the power and direction out of his shot, allowing Matthews to make a routine save.

Gooch curled an effort goal wards from the semi-circle, but an alert Lumley was on hand to save. The American was again involved in another Black Cats attack on the 70^th minute. Sunderland picked up on Rovers’ misplaced pass which finished with Gooch’s shot being blocked by an alert Joe Wright.

When Darren Moore’s side were able get into a threatening positions, Sunderland were able to put plenty of pressure on Rovers to be able to win the ball back and forge a counter attack. Fortunately Rovers remained defensively resolute to make sure none of the counters led to a goal.

In Rovers' final attack of the game they equalised in the second minute of added time when Brad Halliday squared the ball across goal where Okenabirhie was able to tap in.

Next up for Rovers is the visit of Blackpool on November Tuesday 24 at the Keepmoat Stadium behind closed doors. Kick-off at 7pm with commentary and video available on iFollow Rovers.