Huddersfield Town player ratings as Carabao Cup run goes on with penalties win at Sunderland
The Terriers went ahead through Leo Castledine's wonder-strike in the first half before the hosts found an equaliser late on - only for Town to win another penalty shootout
Lee Nicholls - 8
Off his line bravely and well to stop Marc Guiu from finishing a very good chance to equalise. Picked up a knock in the process but played on and made a great save in the top corner to stop a Sunderland free kick shortly after. Struggled with some of his kicking early on but did play some handy balls to find Joe Taylor in the corner later on in the first half. Well done for his urgency on getting medical attention for someone in the Sunderland crowd. Saved the decision penalty low to his right.
Lynden Gooch - 8
Wore the captain’s armband on his return to the Stadium of Light and received a rapturous reception from the Sunderland fans. Scored his pen despite the keeper getting a boot to it.
Jack Whatmough - 9
Sensational defensive performance. Absolutely bossed the Town box and made a couple of really impressive recovery tackles. Will have been relieved one block he made to stop a cross span wide, but it was a stop he had to make.
Murray Wallace - 8
Generally very assured at centre-back, just like against Leicester, but did give the ball away just outside his own box off a dodgy thrown-in from Sean Roughan to let Sunderland in on goal early in the second half. Unable to get to Milan Aleksic’s excellent cross before Marc Guiu, but it was a great run from the striker.
Sean Roughan - 6
Had that throw-in incident a few minutes after letting Jenson Jones get free to shoot at the back post off a cross from the Sunderland left. Took a big risk pulling Guiu back in the box last minute, but got away with it as the decision went Town’s way.
We’ll have our reaction to this game first thing tomorrow morning plus our thoughts on the game on our weekly podcast on Monday. If you’re not a paying backer, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial to get our full reaction.
Dan Vost - 7
Nipped in to make a few timely interventions on the edge of the Town box and at the byline as Sunderland threatened and probed. Put Marc Guiu off form what would otherwise have been a free header in front of goal.
David Kasumu - 8
Span or beat his man several times and ran the centre of the park throughout the first half. Some final balls didn’t hit their mark but his defensive work and ball-carrying was more than enough for Town. Scored in sudden death in the shootout.
Dion Charles - 6
Had a half-chance through a crowded box midway through the first half. Went in the book shortly before the break for a foul, then got a big receipt in the form of a boot to the stomach a couple of minutes later. Some nice moments with his link play and with his back to goal. Worked his socks off and had little left to give by the end.
Leo Castledine - 8
Brilliant unstoppable volley into the top corner to put Town ahead early on with his first goal for the club. Let Nordi Mukiele go free from a corner that the Sunderland man really should have buried, but nodded wide — but came up with the goods off the ball on other occasions by getting back and making well-timed challenges.
Cameron Ashia - 7
Set off a bit late for a couple of runs early on, but then settled into the game. Always know we’re going to get a shift out of him and he provided that again here.
Joe Taylor - 7
Chased down every ball Town played into the Sunderland half and put up a good fight with his back to goal.
Substitutes
Ben Wiles (for Castledine 67) - Straight swap at a time when Sunderland were dominant as they pushed for an equaliser, giving him little opportunity to get into the game. Shot off target deep into injury time. Scored his pen. 6
Marcus Harness (for Taylor 76) - Assumed his customary role with Charles moving up front. Brought renewed energy off the ball and won some important challenges. Great work to get into the box as the second wore down but final ball too close to the keeper. Scored his pen. 6
Jay Sway (for Ashia 76) - Got some great experience playing on the left wing against Premier League opposition. 6
Herbie Kane (for Vost 90+10) - Scored the first penalty of the shootout. n/a
Bojan Radulovic (for Charles 90+10) - Put his penalty away in the shootout. n/a
Unused substitutes: Owen Goodman, Radinio Balker, Josh Feeney, Lasse Sorensen.
We want your ratings too! Head here to cast your votes.
Donate to Walk4Pounds
While I’ve got you, just want to ask if you have two minutes and a few quid to spare for a very good cause. I’ll be taking part in the shorter 10-mile route for Walk for Denis in September, which culminates at Accu Stadium ahead of the League One clash with Burton Albion.
Organised by Huddersfield Town, the walk is raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society and the Huddersfield Town Foundation in memory of the late, great Denis Law.
You can make a donation here - any amount gratefully received.
Even better, if you’re interested in signing up for the walk, details on how to sign up for the walk are here. Thanks!