Alex Neil believes Nathan Broadhead and Ross Stewart have forged a promising partnership to power Sunderland's play-off push. Stewart has shouldered the majority of the goalscoring burden this season, with 22 goals to his name so far.
But the return to fitness of on-loan Everton man Broadhead has added a potent weapon to Sunderland's armoury, and the 24-year-old's brace in Friday's 3-2 win against Shrewsbury means he has now scored nine goals in his last ten games in all competitions - albeit that run was interrupted by a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Elliot Embleton's early goal set Sunderland on their way against the Shrews at the Stadium of Light, with Broadhead doubling their lead before the quarter-hour mark.
But the visitors scored twice in the second half to level things up, before Broadhead scored the winner in injury-time. "He's a constant threat, that's the best way to describe him," said Neil, following the victory against the Shrews.
READ MORE: Nathan Broadhead's perfect timing keeps Sunderland on course for the play-offs
"Both his goals on Friday were extremely different - his first was a second ball, it dropped, and he hit it as clean as you like. And his second goal was a flick header after getting between the defenders, gambling on the ball coming in the box.
"He and Ross are a really good partnership."
Stewart had chances of his own, crashing a shot against the crossbar and later being denied by an excellent stop from goalkeeper Marko Marosi. Neil said: "Ross was unfortunate because he had two good chances - the one that hit the bar, and one he made connection with and the keeper saved it when Jack Clarke should actually be inside his wingback to tap it in."
Sunderland's fight for a play-off place continues tomorrow, when they face fellow contenders Plymouth at Home Park.
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
