LONDON, May 14, 2025 (AFP):-– Sunderland booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a heart-stopping finish, as Dan Ballard's stoppage-time header in extra-time clinched a 3-2 aggregate victory over Coventry on Tuesday.
Trailing to Ephron Mason-Clark's 76th-minute strike in the second leg at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland looked destined for a penalty shoot-out. But in the dying moments of extra-time, Ballard rose to meet Enzo Le Fee’s corner and headed in off the crossbar, sparking jubilation among more than 46,000 home supporters.
The 1-1 draw on the night ensured a dramatic aggregate win for Regis Le Bris’ side, who now face Sheffield United at Wembley on May 24 for a place in the Premier League.
Despite finishing 14 points behind third-placed United during the regular season, Sunderland split their league meetings with the Blades, each side winning once. Now, Sunderland's dream of returning to the Premier League—after an eight-year absence that included a stint in League One—is within touching distance.
Le Bris admitted his team struggled early on but praised their resilience in the tense finish.
“It’s unbelievable, what a scenario,” Le Bris said. “We were too nervous at the start, but we adjusted our structure, and in extra-time we were strong. That final corner was fantastic from Ballard. The players earned this moment—we just enjoy it now.”
Coventry, rejuvenated since Frank Lampard’s arrival in November, were left heartbroken. Having sat 17th when he took charge, they came agonizingly close to ending their 24-year Premier League exile.
“We dominated huge parts of the game—it was wave after wave,” Lampard said. “We were the better team across both legs. That’s why Sunderland will be so ecstatic—they know they got away with one.”
Sunderland, who had lost five in a row heading into the play-offs, showed grit despite their cautious approach. After a 2-1 win in the first leg at Coventry, they retreated into a defensive shell, inviting pressure from Lampard’s aggressive side.
Coventry came close to leveling the tie in the first half when Jack Rudoni missed from close range. The breakthrough eventually came when Milan van Ewijk whipped in a perfect cross for Mason-Clark to volley home, drawing the aggregate score level.
Haji Wright had a golden chance to win it for Coventry deep into stoppage-time, but his header sailed wide.
Then, with seconds remaining in extra-time, Ballard wrote his name into Sunderland folklore. His clumsy yet effective header flew in off the bar, leaving Coventry players collapsed in despair and sending Sunderland to Wembley in the most extraordinary fashion.
For Sunderland, the long road back to the Premier League continues—with one final step to go.
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