3 things we clearly learnt about Sunderland after their 5-1 win over Cambridge
Sunderland boosted their hopes of securing a play-off place in League One yesterday by producing an impressive display in their showdown with Cambridge United.
Danny Batth Sport News
Alex Neil hails Sunderland's best performance since he took over in five-star Cambridge victory
Alex Neil says Sunderland could have hit double figures against Cambridge United in what he feels was the best performance since he took over on Wearside - no matter that it was against ten men. The Black Cats ended up winning 5-1, but were assisted by playing for more than 75 minutes with a man advantage after U's defender Lloyd Jones was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity when he fouled Ross Stewart inside the penalty area.
Sunderland climb to fourth to boost promotion hopes after crushing ten-man Cambridge United
Sunderland climbed back into the play-off spots and up to fourth place as they ran riot against ten-man Cambridge United at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats played for more than 75 minutes with an extra man after U's defender Lloyd Jones was shown a straight red card for denying Ross Stewart a clear goalscoring opportunity, and it was a decisive moment as Stewart also tucked away the resulting penalty.
Sunderland vs Cambridge United team news as Alex Neil makes three changes
Alex Neil made three changes to the side that started Sunderland's Easter Monday goalless draw at Plymouth Argyle. The Black Cats boss brought in Danny Batth in place of Dennis Cirkin, with Cirkin missing out entirely - presumably due to injury.
The Sunderland dilemmas facing Alex Neil ahead of Shrewsbury clash at 3pm
Sunderland welcome Shrewsbury Town to the Stadium of Light this afternoon with an opportunity to begin cementing their place inside the top six.
Nathan Broadhead strikes late to sink Gillingham and send Sunderland back into play-off places
Substitute Nathan Broadhead scored in added time on his comeback from injury to rescue Sunderland and fire the Black Cats back into the play-off places. The Wearsiders looked destined for a second successive goalless draw as they toiled in vain against struggling Gillingham at the Stadium of Light, and more dropped points would have put their chances of a place in the play-offs in real jeopardy.
Sunderland vs Gillingham team news as Alex Pritchard returns as one of two changes
Alex Pritchard returned from injury as Alex Neil made two changes to the Sunderland side that drew at Lincoln City a fortnight ago. Pritchard was making his comeback from the ankle injury he suffered at Charlton at the beginning of March, and he replaced Dan Neil in the Black Cats' starting XI.
"Quality" 28 y/o returns, "massive" £5k-p/w gem axed in 5 changes to SAFC predicted XI - opinion
Sunderland will host Gillingham at the Stadium of Light this afternoon in an important clash for the Black Cats as they battle for a play-off position.