‘What dreams are made of’ – Sunderland reach play-off final with last-gasp winner | OneFootball

Sunderland hero Dan Ballard scored at the death to beat Coventry City and send the Black Cats to the EFL Championship play-off final.

After losing the first leg 2-1, the Sky Blues were the better side on the night and levelled through Ephron Mason-Clark in the second half to send the tie to extra-time.

The game seemed destined for a penalty shootout until Ballard rose up to meet a cross from a corner, heading the ball past a helpless Ben Wilson in the 125th minute.

The goal sparked scenes of pandemonium in the Stadium of Light and confirmed Sunderland will face Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium on 26 May.

Sunderland reach play-off final with late Dan Ballard winner

“It’s what dreams are made of, really,” Ballard told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “The fans today were absolutely incredible. It was just feeling like it wasn’t going to be our day.

“All the lads were desperate to give them something to celebrate. What a dramatic final. It’s what dreams are made of.

The centre-back almost folded himself in half to meet the ball with his head after jumping up “too early”.

“I was so determined, and I can’t remember what happened. It just happened like that. It’s some feeling that.”

Ballard’s central defensive partner, Luke O’Nien, was “lost for words” after the dramatic finish to the semi-final second leg.

“I’m just looking around at what this man has done for this city. It’s incredible,” he said.

“It’s a credit to Coventry. It’s a tough one to take. I think it was a hell of a tie, so credit to them and their fans. I’ve been on the receiving end of a loss in the semis, and it was a tough one, but I really enjoyed the game, they’re tough opponents and they’ll come good.

“It’s been a bit of a blur the whole game. I’ve only really just remembered the last minute.

“I saw Ballard’s top off, everyone running in different directions.

“I can’t remember the game, to be honest with you. I only remember the last minute.”

Read – Drama, heartache and loadsamoney: why the Play-Offs might be the best thing in football

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