The Black Cats reached the Championship play-off final after Dan Ballard's last-gasp header in extra time decided their semi-final tie against Coventry City

Frank Lampard ’s decision to snub former Sunderland striker Ellis Simms during Coventry City ’s two-legged play-off semi-final against the Black Cats proved a costly one.

Sunderland found the most spectacular route possible into the Championship play-off final and they put a smile on one lucky punter's face too. The Black Cats will face Sheffield United at Wembley in the richest game in English football with a place in the Premier League on the line.

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Frank Lampard will need to perform another play-off semi-final miracle when his Coventry City side travel to the Stadium of Light looking to overturn a one-goal deficit on aggregate

Sunderland has booked a showdown with Sheffield United for a place in the Premier League. Dan Ballard bundled in a goal in stoppage time of extra time to earn Sunderland a 1-1 draw with Coventry and a 3-2 victory on aggregate in the Championship playoff semifinals.

Three of the Championship play-off teams have a history, which explains why Jimmy Hill's name may echo around Coventry's away end tonight

Dan Ballard revealed that Chelsea legend Didier Drogba was the unlikely inspiration behind his last-gasp winner against Coventry City on Tuesday night.