Ballard’s Last-Gasp Header Sends Sunderland to Wembley

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Daniel Ballard was the hero at the Stadium of Light as his dramatic 123rd-minute header sent Sunderland into the Championship playoff final with a 3–2 aggregate win over Coventry City.

With the tie finely poised after a 2–1 win in the first leg, Sunderland looked set for heartbreak when Ephron Mason-Clark fired Coventry level on aggregate with a low finish late in the second half. The visitors, managed by Frank Lampard, had dominated large spells of the match and appeared to have the momentum heading into extra time.

But it was Sunderland who found the decisive moment. With penalties looming, Ballard rose highest to meet Enzo Le Fée’s corner, thundering home the winner and sparking wild celebrations in the North East.

The result books a Wembley date with Sheffield United on May 24, and keeps alive Sunderland’s hopes of a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

Manager Regis Le Bris will be urging his side to finish the job, knowing full well the pain of playoff disappointment after their 2023 semi-final collapse against Luton. This time, they’re determined to write a different ending.