Morecambe 0-1 Sunderland: Black Cats secure play-off place as Shrimps stay up
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Welsh striker Nathan Broadhead scored his 13th goals of the season, but limped off injured before half-time
Sunderland clinched a League One play-off place with victory at Morecambe, who also avoided relegation on the final day of the regular season.
The Black Cats kicked off in fifth, knowing they would secure a place in the top six if they bettered or matched the result of either Plymouth or Wycombe.
Nathan Broadhead claimed the 10th-minute winner, racing through one-on-one to finish calmly past Morecambe goalkeeper Trevor Carson.
A seventh win in 10 matches was enough to keep Sunderland in fifth place and tee up a two-legged play-off semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday, who wrapped up fourth spot with victory over Portsmouth.
Despite seeing their automatic promotion hopes fade in the final handful of matches, Sunderland will go into the play-offs in top form on a 13-match unbeaten run and with just one defeat in 15 since Alex Neil took charge in February.
Morecambe started the day two points and two places above the relegation zone and needing to match or better the result of either Gillingham or Fleetwood to guarantee third-tier football next season.
And despite a third defeat in five matches, the Shrimps secured the club's highest-ever league finish of 19th as both of their rivals slipped to defeat.
Derek Adams' men started brighter, but offered little threat after Broadhead's 10th goal in 12 games, scored against the run of play.
There was concern for Sunderland when their in-form striker Broadhead went off injured after 27 minutes.
But Ross Stewart almost added a second on the hour when his deflected shot went inches past the post, while Carson then denied Patrick Roberts from close range.