Match Report: Sunderland 3-2 Shrewsbury Town
Elliot Embleton and Nathan Broadhead opened the scoring in the first ten minutes, but The Shrews brought it level in the second half with goals from Josh Vela and Tom Flanagan, however, Sunderland continue to show why they’re called the Black Cats after another late winner from Nathan Broadhead.
A win would give Sunderland two consecutive wins, and meant they would go level on points with 5th placed Wycombe.
Shrewsbury also won their last two games, and were sat middle of the table in 16th, a win would mean they jump to 15th.
The first goal came in the 4th minute, when Broadhead’s free-kick hit the wall and fell to Embleton who’s first time volley rocketed into the top corner to give Sunderland the lead.
The goals kept coming as in the 13th minute, Dennis Cirkin’s long range shot was parried away by keeper Marko Marosi into the path of Broadhead who volleyed the ball underneath the keeper to make it 2-0.
The Shrews struggled to create many notable chances as Sunderland pinned them in their own half and many of their shots from outside the box were blasted over the crossbar.
A calm, controlled first half surely meant Sunderland had all three points. That’s what everyone thought, but Sunderland came out the second half a shadow of themselves.
As in the 50th minute, Bailey Wright looked to be fouled outside the area creating space for Josh Vella to find space and put the ball in the bottom corner.
The pressure continued to build and every Mackem’s worst fear came true, as in the 58th minute Flanagan scored against his former side to bring the sides level.
The Black Cats refused to be turned over and searched for a winner with their persistence finally being paid off as in the 93rd minute, Jack Clarke cross found Broadhead who headed home a dramatic winner to keep Sunderland’s play-off hopes alive.
Sunderland could drop down to 7th depending on if Sheffield Wednesday win against MK Dons tomorrow, but a vital three points today as Sunderland continue their good form.
