Super subs save the day for the Black Cats

LATE goals from substitutes Dan Neil and Patrick Roberts spared Sunderland more misery as the Black Cats scraped an unconvincing victory against basement side Crewe Alexandra at the Stadium of Light.

The Wearsiders toiled for 85 minutes against a side that had lost nine of their last 10 games, barely testing visiting goalkeeper Dave Richards.

But it was academy product Neil who finally made the breakthrough, just as it seemed that Sunderland might drop two costly points in the race for a play-off place.

Former Man City youngster Roberts added a second goal in the final minute of normal time to give the scoreline a gloss that did not reflect the game.

For Sunderland, it completed back-to-back wins for the first time in 2022 and it meant they stay fifth in the table on a day when play-off rivals Wycombe, Ipswich, and Portsmouth, all dropped points.

After the match the Sunderland manager paid tribute to Neil.

Said boss Neil: “He’s naturally a really good player, but I thought he was excellent when he came on.

“His intent with his passing, his finish was great, he was looking forward – everything.

“Dan played the first two games when I came in, and then after that I think we all looked at him and thought ‘this kid needs a rest and taking out of the firing line.’”

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