Sunderland 1-1 Coventry City AET (Agg 3-2) - Dan Ballard goal takes Black Cats to Wembley

Summary

Ballard heads home in 123rd minute to send Sunderland into play-off final
Mason-Clark had steered Coventry level on aggregate with opener on the night at Stadium of Light
Sunderland led 2-1 after first leg
Black Cats now face Sheffield United in final on 24 May

Live Reporting

Ben Ashton

Wembley awaits for Sunderlandpublished at 23:40 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Image source, Getty Images
A picture that may live very long in the memory for Sunderland players and fans like.
Limbs, as they say. Or scenes. You pick.
Dan Ballard's tie-winning goal with the final touch of the game quite literally almost shook the Stadium of Light to its foundations.
The Black Cats will take on Sheffield United with a place in the Premier League at stake at Wembley on Saturday, 24 May.
It's the most painful defeat imaginable for Coventry City, who will have to dust themselves down and go again next season in the Championship.
Day six of the 10-day EFL marathon comes to an end and the rest of the semi-finals will have to go some to top what happened this evening.
Thank you for following along with us on this live page tonight. Congratulations, Sunderland. Commiserations, Coventry City.
Goodbye for now!
Still to come in the EFL...published at 23:38 British Summer Time 13 May
#bbcefl
The EFL play-off semi-final drama doesn't end here. We're at it again for the next four days.
Here's a look at the games coming up:
Wednesday, 14 May (20:00 BST): Stockport v Leyton Orient (2-2 agg), League One play-off semi-final second leg
Thursday, 15 May (20:00 BST): Charlton v Wycombe (0-0 agg), League One play-off semi-final second leg
Friday, 16 May (20:00 BST): Walsall v Chesterfield (2-0 agg), League Two play-off semi-final second leg
Saturday, 16 May (12:30 BST): AFC Wimbledon v Notts County (1-0 agg), League Two play-off semi-final second leg
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Get Involvedpublished at 23:36 British Summer Time 13 May
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Paul Collins: Ballard just had to score… I looked at him at 33/1 to score in extra time and didn’t go for it as Coventry were well on top. And he goes and scores.
Jack: Sunderland what a win it's in their DNA!
Paul: Coventry have been knocked out by their own awful finishing. They’d have buried Sunderland if they could shoot - 20 shots but only two on target is poor. Sunderland hung in and somehow stole it at the end so well done to them but they shouldn’t have been given the chance.
The Championship play-off finalpublished at 23:33 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
There it is then. The Championship play-off final is confirmed as follows:
- Saturday 24 May: Sheffield United v Sunderland, Wembley Stadium (kick-off time TBC)
Read all about a dramatic night...published at 23:30 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
If you're still pinching yourself about what's just happened tonight, you're probably not alone.
You can relive a night of incredible drama as Sunderland booked their place in the Championship play-off final by reading Adam Lanigan's match report from the Stadium of Light.
To do so, simply tap the 'Report' tab at the top of this page.
What getting to Wembley means to Sunderland...published at 23:28 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Image source, PA Media
Image source, PA Media
Image source, PA Media
Image source, PA Media
'It's about scoring goals'published at 23:25 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Kevin Phillips
Former Sunderland striker on Sky Sports
They [Sunderland] found something in that last 15 minutes and the crowd played a massive part.
Let's be honest, probably the best team went out this evening, especially on tonight's performance and probably the first leg because they dominated possession.
But sometimes you need more than that. It's about scoring goals. It's about character, digging in and producing the goods when it matters and Sunderland have done that.
So congratulations, they can enjoy it and look forward to their day at Wembley.
'I can't ask for any more' - Lampardpublished at 23:23 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Coventry
More from Coventry boss Frank Lampard speaking to Sky Sports:
"Away, it's harder to have that absolute control of it that we had at home but the balance of the team and the way they continued to play, all the things we said before 'get the ball wide, stay on the same side and then change', I can't ask for any more.
"I'm so disappointed for the club, the fans, the owner and the players but when the dust settles I cannot be disappointed with the way that they play because you work every day with them.
"Football, football..."
'My players didn't deserve that' - Lampardpublished at 23:19 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Coventry
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard speaking to Sky Sports:
"Firstly congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final but immense pride I've got in my players.
"If anyone watched the two games, we dominated at home, we made a mistake and they scored. I think we dominated huge periods of this game. We played, controlled and in the second half it was wave after wave.
"The players have given everything from where we've come from - 17th in the league in December and the players have been brilliant in the second half of the season.
"They had to concede to us because of the way we played and with the way the lads controlled the game they don't deserve it. I'm a lot older and I've been around a lot so I've taken whacks and I've had success so maybe I can be a bit more balanced in my job but for those players, they don't deserve that.
"We're not bitter, and congratulations to Sunderland but we were the better team over the two football matches and that's why they'll be so happy going to Wembley."
'Means the absolute world to me' - Neilpublished at 23:15 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Sunderland
Sunderland captain Dan Neil speaking to Sky Sports:
"This means the absolute world to me. It was my dream growing up to play in games of this magnitude. To be on the right end of it - words can't describe it.
"I know how much football means to people up here, the crowd played a massive part today, they were excellent all game. We had a gameplan for both legs and we stuck to it to a tee. When they scored we could have easily folded, but the character of the boys tonight was strong and we kept fighting.
"We've got a really good group of leaders in this team, so it's not just about me wearing the armband, everyone brings their own leadership qualities and that's what makes this squad so special.
"We'll celebrate tonight, we've got ten or however many days to recover and it's one more to go now. Days like this don't come around very often, but we'll be back in with one goal in mind and that's to go to Wembley and put on a performance."
'Absolutely incredible' - Le Brispublished at 23:10 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Sunderland
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris speaking to Sky Sports:
"It's really fantastic because this scenario was absolutely incredible. We were probably too nervous for the first part of the game.
"During extra-time, we were good. We played our football and we just enjoy it now.
"It was a little bit frustrating because we knew on the bench we could play better football."
On what he said before extra-time: "We changed our structure. We got back to our way of playing and it was Sunderland at that moment.
"This final corner-kick was fantastic for Ballard. They [the Sunderland players] deserve to live this and we have a fantastic final to play now."
get involved
Get Involvedpublished at 23:07 British Summer Time 13 May
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I’ll never understand why putting a player on the post at corners went out of fashion. I’m guessing Coventry City fans think the same right now. Could’ve been stopped.
Jay
Called it. Sigh.
George, Coventry (see 22:16)
'Sunderland got their rewards'published at 23:05 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Radio Newcastle
With the introduction of Romaine Mundle and changing shape all of a sudden we started to create problems.
You've got to say that for the majority of the game Coventry were comfortable.
But Sunderland got their rewards and what we said was judge Regis Le Bris at the end of the play-offs.
'I'm lost for words' - O'Nienpublished at 23:02 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Sunderland
Image source, PA Media
Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien speaking to Sky Sports:
"I'm lost for words. Just looking around and what this man [Dan Ballard] has done for this team. It's incredible.
"Credit to Coventry. It's a tough one to take [for them]. I think it was a hell of a tie, so credit to them and their fans, being on the receiving end of a loss in the semis.
"It was a tough one but they were a really tough opponent."
On whether Sunderland felt the momentum shift in extra-time: "I don't know really. It's been a bit of a blur the whole game really.
"I saw Ballard's top off and everyone running in different directions and I can't the game to be honest, I can only the last minute."
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Get Involvedpublished at 22:59 British Summer Time 13 May
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As a Bristol City fan, I'm happy that Sheffield United will play Sunderland. The third and fourth placed teams in the division who were a number of points better off than Bristol City and Coventry.
Anon
Third v fourth in the play-off final seems fair. Both finalists dropped off in form at the end of the season, but now have the Promised Land of the Premier League one win away. Can’t wait to watch it.
Andrew
'Agonising defeat for Coventry'published at 22:57 British Summer Time 13 May
Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Steve Ogrizovic
Ex-Coventry City goalkeeper on BBC CWR
Image source, PA Media
It's the most agonising way to lose a football match, particularly a game of this significance and importance.
For the Sunderland players and fans, this will be one of the greatest nights of their lives. For us, our team just haven't been able to get over the line.
They have given it absolutely everything tonight but they have just come short right at the death.
'Hopefully I've repaid trust put in me' - Ballardpublished at 22:55 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Sunderland
More from Sunderland match-winner and player of the match Dan Ballard on Sky Sports:
"I was so nervous going into that first game. He [Regis Le Bris] has left Chris Mepham out who has been our best player all season.
"So, it was a big call and I feel for him but I'm just so happy the gaffer put his trust in me and hopefully I've repaid it."
get involved
Get Involvedpublished at 22:53 British Summer Time 13 May
#bbcefl, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
He'll have the freedom of Sunderland after that goal.
Anon
Give that man a statue at the Stadium of Light.
Anon
The PLAY-OFFS deliver! Brilliant header but devastation for Coventry and you have to feel for Frank Lampard and Coventry. WHAT A CRAZY END!
Jack
They'll be using plenty of striped paint at Wembley for the Championship play-off final.
Paul, Dublin
'It's what dreams are made of' - Ballardpublished at 22:50 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Sunderland
Sunderland winning goalscorer Dan Ballard speaking to Sky Sports:
"It's what dreams are made of really. The fans today were absolutely incredible.
"It was just feeling like it wasn't going to be our day and all the lads were desperate to try and give them something to celebrate.
"What a dramatic finale and stuff dreams are made of."
On the goal: "I was just so determined. I can't what happened, it just happened like that. Some feeling that."
'What a way to win a game!'published at 22:45 British Summer Time 13 May
FT: Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 agg)
Gary Bennett
Ex-Sunderland defender on BBC Radio Newcastle
Image source, PA Media
What a way to win a game!
Fantastic.
Dan Ballard never lets us down.
You couldn't call it, could you!

Dan Ballard celebrates scoring the goal that takes Sunderland to Wembley — Image caption,
Dan Ballard scored in the final seconds of extra time to send Sunderland to the Championship play-off final at Wembley

Adam Lanigan

BBC Sport England at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland reached the Championship play-off final after Dan Ballard's last-gasp goal in extra time decided their semi-final tie against Coventry City.

Ballard headed in off the underside of the bar in the final seconds of stoppage time to level the match at 1-1 on the night and secure a 3-2 aggregate victory over the Sky Blues.

It was an incredible end to an evening filled with tension at the Stadium of Light after Ephron Mason-Clark had scored in the 76th minute to take the match to extra time.

The Black Cats will now face Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday, 24 May to decide who plays in the Premier League next season.

In a meeting between the sides who finished fourth and fifth in the regular season, the Wearside club will have the chance to end an eight-year exile from the top flight.

But the Sky Blues will rue a chance which USA forward Haji Wright headed wide in regulation stoppage time that would have booked their spot in the final.

Hoardings-gate

While the Blades had cruised through to Wembley on Monday as they swept aside Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate, this tie always felt in the balance.

Play-off games rarely need extra spice, but this was given it by the Black Cats' decision to bring their advertising hoardings along the sidelines noticeably closer to the pitch.

By doing so, it was a deliberate attempt to negate the Sky Blues' tactic of using the long throws of Dutch right-back Milan van Ewijk to create danger.

His costly mistake in allowing Eliezer Mayenda to grab a late winner in a 2-1 first-leg win for Sunderland had left him in tears, but looking for inspiration to mount a famous comeback, Coventry could turn to head coach Frank Lampard.

He was in charge of the last away side to overturn a first-leg deficit when Derby County defeated Leeds United 4-2 at Elland Road in 2019 to win 4-3 on aggregate.

After surviving a bright Sunderland start in which Mayenda forced a good save out of Ben Wilson, Lampard watched his side grow into the game.

But they spurned crucial chances as Tatsuhiro Sakamoto scuffed an attempt over from six yards, before in-form midfielder Jack Rudoni prodded their best opportunity of the first half over from a similar distance.

Ephron Mason-Clark guides the ball into the Sunderland net — Image caption,
Ephron Mason-Clark's second-half goal for Coventry took the play-off semi-final into extra time

Sky Blues turn screw

The Sky Blues continued to have more of the ball in the second half, but Sunderland had come closer to scoring the decisive goal when right-back Trai Hume had his volley well kept out by Wilson.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris had promised pre-match that his team would not play just to hold the opposition out, but human nature took over as his players dropped deeper.

And they were punished when Van Ewijk overlapped down the right and sent over a cross which had Mason-Clark getting there just before Hume to guide the ball into the bottom corner.

Coventry were on top and almost sealed it but Wright, with the very last touch in normal time, got his header badly wrong from another Sakamoto cross.

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Le Bris: Semi-final win was 'absolutely fantastic'

Agony and ecstasy

The Black Cats were better in extra time and regained some composure, and Romaine Mundle was only prevented from scoring by a brilliant block from fellow substitute Josh Eccles.

The match still looked destined to be decided by a penalty shootout, even when Sunderland won a corner with the last action of the game.

And from Enzo Le Fee's delivery in the 122nd minute, Ballard sent the red-and-white hordes into ecstasy with a powerful header as Coventry players slumped to the floor in absolute dejection.

The very essence of play-off football in one instant.

Key Events

Sunderland

Coventry City

Summary

Live Reporting

Hoardings-gate

Sky Blues turn screw

Agony and ecstasy

Related topics

Championship Scores & Fixtures

Tuesday 13th May

Team Lineups

home team, Sunderland

Pitch Formation

Starting lineup

Substitutes

home team, Sunderland

away team, Coventry City

Pitch Formation

Starting lineup

away team, Coventry City

home team, Sunderland

Pitch Formation

Starting lineup

Substitutes

away team, Coventry City

Pitch Formation

Starting lineup

Substitutes

Match Officials

Match Stats

Overall possession

Shots

Shots on target

Total touches inside the box

Goalkeeper saves

Fouls

Corners

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DefensiveDefensive

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Headed clearances

Duels won

Clearances off the line

DistributionDistribution

Total es

Accurate es

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Touches

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