Sunderland are back in the play-off places after scoring in the final minute to sink Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium. Corry Evans had given the Black Cats the lead on the quarter-hour, only for Oxford defender Elliott Moore to head the hosts level ten minutes before half-time.
Oxford had the better chances in the second half and looked the more likely winners, but instead it was Sunderland who emerged with the points. Sub Elliot Embleton scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute - just four minutes after entering the action - and that was enough to see the Wearsiders climb to sixth in the table.
The play-off race is still close, however, with Sunderland level on points, goal difference, and goals scored, with seventh-placed Wycombe Wanderers, who were held to a draw at Gillingham. But Sunderland have a game in hand of the Chairboys, and that could prove crucial in the final analysis.
READ MORE: Sunderland climb back into play-off places after Elliot Embleton's late strike sinks Oxford
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Anthony Patterson 8
No chance with the goal but made several excellent saves to set the stage for the win
Carl Winchester 6
Solid enough on the right side of the back three
Bailey Wright 7
Strong at the heart of defence, although Moore beat him in the air for the equaliser
Dennis Cirkin 6
Played on the left side of the back three but was left exposed too often by Clarke
Lynden Gooch 6
Produced a couple of good deliveries into the box from the right flank
Corry Evans 7
A steadying influence in front of the back four, and scored the opening goal
Jay Matete 7
Covered a lot of ground in the middle of the park on his return to the side, and was involved in the build-up to both goals
Jack Clarke 5
Struggled badly with the defensive side of his wingback role
Patrick Roberts 5
Got into some good positions but didn't take advantage. Taken off at half-time
Nathan Broadhead 6
Lively in the final third and saw an early shot cleared off the line
Ross Stewart 6
Provided the assist for Embleton, and then had a chance to kill the game off himself but was denied by the keeper
Subs
Luke O'Nien 6
For Roberts 46mins. Helped Sunderland compete better in midfield in the second half
Danny Batth N/A
For Broadhead 79mins.
Elliot Embleton N/A
For Clarke 85mins.
Not used: Hoffmann, Neil, Hume, Doyle
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