It wasn’t the celebration Frank Lampard had in mind—especially not with the haunting memories of a £2,000 bar tab from six years ago when Derby reached the playoff final.

This time, though, there’s no final to celebrate.

Coventry’s heartbreak came in the most dramatic way possible as Sunderland snatched a last-gasp winner in extra time, ending their playoff hopes and any plans for a post-match pint.

A Stadium Erupts as Dan Ballard Becomes Sunderland’s Hero

Dan Ballard turned the Stadium of Light into a madhouse with a 123rd-minute header that nearly blew the roof off.

Sunderland will now face Sheffield United at Wembley.

The game itself? Far from a classic. But that finish? Pure chaos.

Before Ballard’s winner, it looked like penalties were calling.

Coventry had battled their way back into the match, but Sunderland found one final surge—and it was enough.

Not Quite Box Office Football, but One Wild Ending

Let’s be real—most of this game wasn’t pretty.

If you blinked, you might have missed the action… because it didn’t really start until late.

It was only when Ephron Mason-Clark volleyed home in the 76th minute that things livened up.

Before that, it was a slog of heavy touches and nervous energy.

Even the crowd, which brought a thunderous 46,000-strong atmosphere, had to wait for something to cheer about.

Their flamethrowers lit up the sky pre-kickoff, but the football barely sparked until well into the second half.

A Battle of Wills, Not Skills

The players looked more anxious than inspired.

Coventry tried to make something happen through Mason-Clark and Van Ewijk, while Sunderland had little to show for themselves—no control, no fluidity, and not a hint of conviction.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Jack Rudoni both squandered golden chances from inside six yards for Coventry, letting Sunderland off the hook.

At halftime, the stats told the story: just one shot on target each.

Jobe Bellingham and Trai Hume Ignite the Fightback

Things picked up after the break—finally.

Trai Hume’s outrageous volley had Coventry keeper Ben Wilson scrambling, and Jobe Bellingham channeled his inner Jude, bringing some badly needed fire to Sunderland’s play.

Bellingham even had a bit of a face-off with the keeper, forehead to forehead, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

It was scrappy, but it lit the match.

Mason-Clark Levels It—and Lampard Thinks They’ve Done It

Then came Mason-Clark again.

With 14 minutes to go, he met Van Ewijk’s cross with a calm finish to level the tie.

Lampard’s celebration on the sideline said it all—pure relief.

Coventry were back in it, and it felt like they might even take control.

But Wembley is cruel.

The Final Blow Comes in Extra Time

Just when penalties felt inevitable, Sunderland struck.

Ballard’s winner, deep into extra time, felt like a punch to the gut for Coventry.

The home fans erupted, knowing their team was now just one win away from Premier League football.

For Lampard, it’s another playoff semi-final exit.

For Sunderland, it’s another big night under the lights at the Stadium of Light—something they’ve missed dearly since falling out of the top flight in 2017.

What’s Next?

Sunderland head to Wembley with belief and momentum, while Coventry and Lampard are left to wonder what might have been.

For now, Sunderland’s dream is alive—and the next episode of their story might just be a happy one.