Sunderland snatched another injury-time winner to sink Shrewsbury Town and keep their play-off challenge on track. The Black Cats raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour at the Stadium of Light, with Elliot Embleton and Nathan Broadhead putting them in a commanding position.
But they let the game drift and Shrewsbury levelled before the hour mark, thanks to goals from Josh Vela and ex-Sunderland man Tom Flanagan. The Wearsiders hit the woodwork through Ross Stewart, and the striker also brought an excellent save out of Marko Marosi.
There was a dramatic late twist, however, when Broadhead scored a decisive goal in injury time for the second home game running. His header made it three wins in a row for Sunderland. and kept the Black Cats firmly on course for the play-offs.
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Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Anthony Patterson 6
Nothing he could do about either goal
Carl Winchester 6
A strong first half, but Shrewsbury had some joy down his side in the second period
Bailey Wright 6
Stood firm in the middle of the back three
Dennis Cirkin 6
Defended solidly and brought a good save out of the keeper in the run-up to Sunderland's second goal
Lynden Gooch 5
Did OK at right wingback, but could have done more
Jay Matete 7
Worked hard in the middle of the park
Luke O'Nien 6
Gave his usual high-energy display, initially in midfield and later in the game at wingback
Elliot Embleton 7
Scored the brilliant opening goal, and was involved in the move that led to the second
Jack Clarke 6
Caused Shrewsbury problems when he got forward down the left, and produced the assist for Broadhead's winner
Nathan Broadhead 8
Scored two good goals, and the second one in injury-time may make all the difference to Sunderland's play-off chances
Ross Stewart 7
Led the line well and was only denied a goal by the crossbar, and later a good save, in the second half
Subs
Corry Evans 7
For Embleton 62mins. Gave Sunderland more control in central midfield at a time when they were rocking
Patrick Roberts N/A
For Gooch 78mins.
Dan Neil N/A
For Matete 86mins.
Not used: Burge, Batth, Xhemajli, Hume
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