Here's how The Lancashire Telegraph scored the players' performances, with a six representing par for the course.

Aynsley Pears - 8

Pulled off a great save in the build-up to Sunderland's goal and then another right at death.

Callum Brittain - 7

Offered a good threat down the right side, linking up with Hedges. Did well against Mundle and then Clarke.

Dom Hyam - 8

Didn't give Bellingham a sniff up front. Sunderland barely had a shot on target.

Scott Wharton - 8

Solid alongside his centre-back partner. Continues to put in good performances.

Harry Pickering - 6

Lasted only 20 minutes before he was forced off with an injury. Perhaps a risk to play him after he went off in stoppage time on Friday.

Sondre Tronstad - 7

Won the ball back and was accurate with his passing in the middle of the park.

Joe Rankin-Costello - 9

Everywhere. Covered every blade of grass and adds an extra goal threat to this team. Set up the second for Szmodics with a great piece of play.

Ryan Hedges - 9

He's just a lovely footballer, isn't he? So good to have him back. Took his goal very well and did the hard yards pressing from the front for the fourth.

Sam Szmodics - 9

Two clinical finishes from Rovers' leading marksman. He's so reliable in front of goal and never lets the team down. 29 for the season.

Tyrhys Dolan - 8

Looked comfortable on the left, linking up with his team-mates. Had a hand in the first and second goal before getting on the scoresheet himself.

Sam Gallagher - 8

Back from illness to lead the line and he made a big difference. Rode through a challenge to set up the third for Hedges.

Substitutes:

Ben Chrisene (Pickering, 20') - 7

Linked up nicely with Dolan for the first goal. Solid defensively.

Andrew Moran (Gallagher, 67') - 7

Scored his first goal since November, in Rovers' last away win!

John Buckley (Rankin-Costello, 74') -6

Kept things ticking over in midfield after returning from a knee injury.

Dilan Markanday (Hedges, 74') - 7

Created the fifth goal with a good driving run to the byline.

Unused substitutes: Wahlstedt, McFadzean, Carter, Ayari, Telalovic

Referee: John Busby

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