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James Hunter

Broadhead makes the difference, Embleton involved - Sunderland 3-2 Shrewsbury Town player ratings

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.

Go here for all the latest Sunderland AFC news

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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