Overview
- Sunderland advanced to the Championship play-off final with a 3-2 aggregate win over Coventry City, sealed by Dan Ballard's decisive extra-time header.
- The second leg ended 1-1 after Ephron Mason-Clark equalized for Coventry in the 76th minute, forcing the game into extra time at the Stadium of Light.
- Ballard, praised for his defensive performance across both legs, scored the winner in the 120th minute from a corner delivered by Enzo Le Fee.
- Sunderland will face Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley on May 24, with a Premier League promotion spot on the line.
- Coventry head coach Frank Lampard expressed pride in his team's performance, despite narrowly missing out on a trip to Wembley.