Fleetwood 2-1 Sunderland player ratings as second half comeback thwarts the Black Cats in the Papa John's Trophy

Phil Parkinson's young Black Cats couldn't build on their impressive first half performance as they were defeated by Fleetwood Town.

Two second half goals for Joey Barton's side, gave the Fishermen all three points in the final game of the Papa John's Trophy group stages.

Elliot Embleton was among the pick of the Black Cats players after hitting the post and impressive set pieces.

Sunderland started the game on the front foot and took the lead through Callum McFadzean - who turned in another performance before going off injured on the 56 minute mark.

Hill's slack pass was intercepted by Hawkes, he tried to play in O'Brien inside the box but it was cut out and the ball broke to McFadzean inside the box on the left, with his low strike going in off the right hand post.

Sunderland were lively and hit the woodwork three times in the first half.

The Black Cats were hit by a wave injuries on the brink of half-time and in the second half. Oliver Younger, Cieran Dunne and McFadzean were all forced off the field of play after lively starts.

The injuries changed the dynamic of the game and the hosts equalised through Barrie McKay, before Mark Duffy grabbed the winner on the 56th minute.

It was a spirited performance from the youngsters, but the result means Sunderland will now be drawn away from home in the next round.

Here's how James Hunter rated the Black Cats performance:

ANTHONY PATTERSON 7


BRANDON TAYLOR 7


JORDAN WILLIS 7


OLLIE YOUNGER 7


JACK DIAMOND 7


GEORGE DOBSON 7


ELLIOT EMBLETON 8


DAN NEIL 7


CALLUM McFADZEAN 7


JOSH HAWKES 7


AIDEN O’BRIEN 6


SUBS
CIERAN DUNNE 6

VINNIE STEELS 6

SAM WILDING 6

Made a couple of good saves on his debut, and had no chance with the goals Looked Comfortable on the right side of the back three Marshalled the defence well, and had to play the full 90mins because of the injuries elsewhere A very solid first 45 on his senior debut, and was unlucky to be forced off with a knock just before the break Always a danger down the right flank, he delivered some excellent crosses Neat and tidy in midfield, and did a decent job when he had to drop into central defence Hit the post from inside the box, and his set-pieces were very good Sharp in the middle of the park and was always looking to play the ball forward Scored the goal, had to switch to centre-back when Younger went off, before he picked up a hamstring problem himself His pressing forced Fleetwood into the mistake that led to the goal Worked hard up front and pressed the Fleetwood defence at every opportunity For Younger 45+1mins. A very brief debut with a dislocated shoulder ending his debut For Dunne 51mins. Another debutant, he had a tough time against Shayden Morris For McFadzean 60mins. Came on when Sunderland were on the back foot, but he did OK on his debut NOT USED: Richardson, Wearne, Curry, Almond