Sunderland made sure of a play-off place with a win at Morecambe on the final day. The Black Cats went into the game at the Mazuma Stadium knowing that a win would clinch a top six finish regardless of results elsewhere, and they achieved their objective under their own steam.
Nathan Broadhead scored the only goal early in the game before he limped off before half-time. Sunderland could have extended their lead in the second half but were unable to convert the chances they fashioned, but in the end a single goal was enough.
They end the season in fifth place in League One, and will face fourth-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-final with the first leg at the Stadium of Light on Friday, and the second leg at Hillsborough the following Monday. it is the third time in four years that Sunderland have been involved in the play-offs.
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Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Anthony Patterson 6
Didn't have a shot to save, but was calm when fielding the ball
Bailey Wright 7
Strong on the right side of the back three, he did not give an inch
Danny Batth 7
The lynchpin of the defence, he snuffed out the threat from Stockton
Luke O'Nien 7
Played on the left side of the back three and did well when needed
Lynden Gooch 6
Worked hard in the right wingback position
Corry Evans 8
A class act in the middle of the park, he reads the game so well and he provided the assist for the goal
Elliot Embleton 6
Always available in midfield and showed good workrate
Patrick Roberts 6
Got forward whenever he could but too often his final ball was lacking. Brought a couple of saves out of Carson in the second half
Alex Pritchard 7
Back in the starting line-up and he brought some extra invention to the side
Nathan Broadhead 7
Scored the all-important goal before his involvement was cut short by injury
Ross Stewart 5
Very little service to work with but still offered a focal point
Subs
Jack Clarke 6
For Broadhead 26mins. Some neat touches in and around the Morecambe box
Jay Matete 6
For Stewart 73mins. Did OK
Dan Neil N/A
For Pritchard 82mins.
Not used: Hoffmann, Xhemajli, McGeady, Hume
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