“Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (aet, 3-2 on agg): Championship playoff semi-final – as it happened | Championship”
Key occasions
Match report
Right here’s Louise Taylor’s verdict from a rapturous Stadium of Gentle. Thanks for becoming a member of me. Goodnight!
And right here’s Frank Lampard: “Congratulations to Sunderland, but I’m so proud of my players. I think we dominated at home, dominated large spells of this game tonight … from 17th in the league, how far this team has come, competing with the top teams in this division.
“We’re not bitter, but we were the better team over the two matches. I’m so disappointed for the players, the fans, the club … but I can’t be disappointed with the performance tonight. We took control, but in extra time it became more of a coin-toss. We were getting ready for penalties … it’s cruel, but we have to take pride in how we played.”
You do, in fact, need to really feel for Coventry, who greater than performed their half and had a golden likelihood to win the tie simply earlier than the ultimate whistle after 90 minutes. If Lampard stays round and retains constructing what he’s began this season, they could be up there once more subsequent time period.
Dan Neil: “This means the world, it means so much to me, my family, the fans, everyone,” says the South Shields-born Sunderland captain. “We had a game plan, we stuck to it … when they scored, we could have folded but we found a way. The crowd were excellent, we felt we could play better and it was a case of grabbing the bull by the horns.”
“Our goal at the start of the season was promotion,” he provides. “Maybe we got carried away with the last-minute goal [tonight] – we’ve got to go to Wembley and put on a performance. There’s one more game to go. I know what football means to people up here, and I’ve tried to put that across to the lads. But we’ve got a great group of leaders here. It’s not just about who wears the armband.”
Regis Le Bris: “We were probably too nervous in the first part of the game … in extra time, we were better, we played our football. It’s a semi-final at home, a goal up – I think we were caught between two attitudes. Once they scored, then we felt we had to score.”
“We had a list [of penalty takers] but the corner kick was fantastic for Ballard. They deserve it, and now we have a fantastic final to play. [Ballard] is a strong man at the back, really important for us. Tonight, we’ll enjoy it and switch on for the final very soon.”
Phew. We’ll have a match report from Louise Taylor on-line shortly, however we’ll hold it going for extra response right here. The upshot of that insane ending is that Sunderland will face Sheffield United on 24 Might at Wembley, for a spot within the Premier League.
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“It’s what dreams are made of,” says Ballard, the person of the match. “Our fans gave it everything today. I got up early [for the header] and I saw it go in, then I don’t remember what happened! I’m so happy the gaffer put his trust in me, I hope I’ve repaid it.” You might have, Dan.
And teammate Luke O’Nien: “Credit to Coventry and their fans, it must be a tough one to take, it’s been a great tie. The whole game’s been a bit of a blur, but I just remember the last minute. Ballard with his top off … we’ll enjoy it tonight, plenty of time until the final, we’ll focus when the time’s right.”
I’ve barely had time to deal with the actual fact Ballard jumped and stooped, producing a form of hunched star-jump that would solely result in a purpose within the final minute of additional time.
Full time! Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (3-2 on agg)
What an unimaginable finale. There’s barely time to kick off once more earlier than the whistle sounds. Sunderland got here so, so near blowing it tonight however Dan Ballard was their hero. They are going to be underdogs towards Sheffield United, however why ought to they care about that now? Generally, it seems like destiny is in your aspect.
GOAL!!! Sunderland 1-1 Coventry (Ballard 122′) – 3-2 on agg
Soccer, don’t you simply adore it? From the nook, Dan Ballard heads in off the underside of the bar and the Stadium of Gentle erupts. Aid, pleasure, tears, unbridled glee. Sunderland are going to Wembley!
ET 31 minutes: A harmful Sunderland cross is headed behind by Thomas, and the hosts could have yet one more nook …
ET 30 minutes: Leo Hjelde replaces Dennis Cirkin in anticipation of the shootout. However will we even get there?
ET 29 minutes: Thomas-Asante has a snap shot at purpose that deflects into the aspect netting. I’ll wager a good few Sunderland followers thought that was flying in for a second. From the nook, Thomas heads over. Two added minutes, after which (in all probability) penalties.
ET 28 minutes: Bellingham tries to get one thing entering into assault, however Coventry clear and Rudoni finally bundles the ball far downfield.
ET 27 minutes: It’s whipped in direction of Mundle on the close to put up, however he can’t do something apart from nod the ball behind for a purpose kick.
ET 25 minutes: The sub goes to need to be subbed – and he’s changed by Jamie Allen. Sunderland have a nook, with the clock ticking …
ET 24 minutes: Eccles is down for Coventry as Dan Neil tries an formidable low shot that’s blocked. Eccles is up however limping, and goes down once more as quickly as Van Ewijk heads the ball behind for a nook.
ET 22 minutes: An enormous problem from Luke O’Nien, taking the ball from Wright when he had choices out there within the center.
ET 20 minutes: Unexpectedly, it’s Sunderland who’re providing extra of an attacking menace on this second half – not that it’s a lot consolation to their nervous followers across the floor.
“The look of existential dread on ALL the fans’ faces is delightful!” says Joe Pearson. “Nobody can take the stress of football.”
ET 19 minutes: Rigg picks up a yellow card for a careless problem. For Coventry, goalscorer Mason-Clark is changed by Brandon Thomas-Asante.
ET 17 minutes: Massive likelihood for Sunderland! The hosts have been trying higher going ahead, and Chris Rigg will get in behind and cuts again to Mundle – however his goalbound shot is blocked by Eccles!
ET 16 minutes: Le Price hyperlinks up with Mundle however overplays issues once more, permitting Sakamoto to chop out his tried by ball.
Solely three adjustments thus far (two for Sunderland, one for Coventry) – maybe somewhat shocking in what’s been a stamina-sapping recreation.
Half-time in further time: Sunderland 0-1 Coventry (2-2 agg)
Fifteen minutes left for both workforce to win this tie, or we go to penalties. Who’d be a soccer fan, eh?
ET 15 minutes: The nook is cleared however Sunderland hold the ball, with Jobe Bellingham’s try at a slipped ball in behind lower out. One added minute.
ET 14 minutes: Mayenda is introduced down as he tries to interrupt downfield, however Madley waves play on. Le Price, now working extra centrally, picks up the items and finds Mundle on the left, who wins a nook.
ET 13 minutes: The ball is nodded down into the trail of a participant in sky blue, 15 yards out. Fortunately for the hosts, it’s centre-back Luke Kitching, who sends a half-volley excessive and large of purpose.
ET 12 minutes: It’s cleared away and Sunderland have an opportunity to interrupt – however Dan Neil (I believe) is penalised for a foul on Sakamoto. That appeared harsh, however the finish result’s one other Coventry set piece.
ET 11 minutes: Mason-Clark will get past Trai Hume and is introduced down by the Sunderland defender. One other very harmful free kick for the guests …
ET 10 minutes: It’s cleared away earlier than Sakamoto’s shot rebounds to Dasilva. His floated cross causes Patterson main concern, however Mundle is there to hoof upfield.
ET 9 minutes: Eccles shoots from 25 yards, and it’s deflected behind for a Coventry nook …
ET 7 minutes: Eeeek! Le Price will get in behind the Coventry defence and will actually go for purpose however tries twice to seek out Mayenda alongside him. It takes a last-ditch deal with to cease the second cross connecting.
ET 6 minutes: Le Price appears for Mayenda within the center, however the ball simply evades the ahead and bounces by to Wilson.
ET 5 minutes: Mundle is taking part in on the left wing, however his first involvement is on the again, taking the ball away from Sakamoto.
ET 4 minutes: Romaine Mundle is on, changing Patrick Roberts. Coventry’s newest foray ahead ends when Mason-Clark handles the ball; I can’t actually bear in mind Sunderland’s final respectable assault.
ET 2 minutes: Coventry win a nook however Sakamoto heads large from Van Ewijk’s cross. Le Bris is planning adjustments for the hosts.
Additional time: first half
Sunderland look a bag of nerves – the stadium announcer tries to get entangled, taking part in fan anthem “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” to get the gang going once more. It’s not over but.
Full time: Sunderland 0-1 Coventry (2-2 on agg)
Ephron Mason-Clark’s purpose means Coventry win the second leg. With the tie 2-2 on combination, we’re heading for further time – and Sunderland can be relieved after Haji Wright’s dramatic late miss.
93 minutes: What an opportunity! Coventry look like lining up the killer blow, and Sakamoto produces one other glorious supply. Haji Wright will get his head to it – however sends it large with the purpose at his mercy!
92 minutes: Grimes’ outswinging nook is a harmful one, however Ballard will get his head to it first. Dasilva tries to run into the realm however runs out of house …
91 minutes: It’s performed brief and half-cleared, earlier than Sakamoto whips in a cross to the far put up and wins a nook …
90 minutes: Bellingham is penalised for a foul on the midway line, giving Coventry an opportunity to swing a free kick in. Three added minutes earlier than further time.
89 minutes: Dasilva thinks about going for glory from 30 yards, however decides to chest the ball to Kitching, whose shot lacks the facility to even attain the purpose.
88 minutes: Le Price appears to play in left-back Cirkin, however the tireless Sakamoto is again there to intercept.
87 minutes: It’s Coventry on the ball right here, Sunderland comfortable to remain in a deep block and anticipate further time.
85 minutes: A half-chance for Rigg from a swirling cross from the left, which he tries to volley however miscues.
84 minutes: Dan Neil’s errant move is introduced down by Sakamoto, however he used his arm to take action and Coventry’s hopes of a harmful break are extinguished.
82 minutes: Wright is penalised for a foul as he chases a hopeful lengthy ball. Wilson Isidor is the person heading off to get replaced by Rigg, the 17-year-old who has lit up Sunderland’s season.
81 minutes: Mason-Clark’s cross is claimed by Patterson. For the hosts, Chris Rigg is approaching shortly.
80 minutes: What do Sunderland do now? They nonetheless look caught on the again foot, with Grimes sending in one other testing cross for the guests.
79 minutes: Rudoni dances by the defence however loses the ball, Mason-Clark unable to maintain it in play to the left of the purpose.
78 minutes: Enzo Le Price slips in midfield and brings down a Coventry participant, incomes a spot in Madley’s guide.
It’s Ephron Mason-Clark who connects with Van Ewijk’s deep cross, getting in entrance of his man and toe-poking into the underside nook. Up within the gods within the North Stand, the away followers rejoice wildly!
GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Coventry (Mason-Clark 75′)
Coventry have their breakthrough in the end, and the tie is stage on combination!
74 minutes: One other floated Sakamoto cross from the appropriate is cleared by O’Nien, and Bellingham will get concerned to hack the ball away.
73 minutes: Wright is performed in however finally ends up too far large to shoot, so holds up after which cuts it again for Eccles, whose well-struck shot is blocked.
72 minutes: Right here comes the Coventry-born Eccles, changing Ben Sheaf in midfield after a Sunderland attacking transfer fizzles out.
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