According to reports, Frank Lampard at least saved himself from paying £2,000 for his team’s celebration! However, given Sunderland’s last-minute goal, the Coventry manager might need therapy expenses.

Six years ago, after a 4-3 aggregate win against Leeds in this stage, Lampard spontaneously treated his team to a cafe stop. Though his team lost the final to Aston Villa, this time there will be no final for him. The final will be between Sunderland and Sheffield United. Dan Ballard scored the winning goal in the 123rd minute with a header that nearly lifted the roof off the Stadium of Light.

We can only hope the Wembley final offers better quality than most of this match. Sunderland, thrilled with promotion, won’t complain about the low-quality game. In recent years, Sunderland has been more visible on Netflix than on ‘Match of the Day’! In fact, reruns of Sunderland’s Netflix documentary were likely more entertaining than this match—at least until the final moments. Before that, the stadium’s atmosphere didn’t get the game it deserved.

Until Afron Mason Clarke scored in the 76th minute with a volley from Milan van Ewijk’s pass, there was little danger in front of the goals. Before that, it was just wasted and sloppy shots. Sunderland even moved advertising boards to limit van Ewijk’s long throws. Maybe his hands were tied, but his feet were free, and he delivered the best cross of the night.

This goal forced extra time, and everyone expected penalties until Dan Ballard’s dramatic header changed fate.

The Stadium of Light always has its magic on big nights, though these have been rare lately. Since Sunderland’s Premier League relegation in 2017, this was undoubtedly their biggest night. Their previous Championship playoff semifinal was a loss to Luton two years ago.

This time, 46,000 fans created an intimidating, tribal atmosphere. Few stadiums convey such fiery passion. Flames on the sidelines burned the opposition. This explosive entrance seemed like eight years of anger and frustration unleashed.

The anthem ‘Wise Men Say’ sent them into battle, and the wise men knew the fight wasn’t over despite Sunderland’s 2-1 first-leg lead. They’ve seen how their documentaries can have unexpected endings.

Coventry needed a goal but created few chances until the big moment arrived. With 14 minutes left in regulation, van Ewijk sent a long cross from the right, and Mason Clarke calmly slotted it into the bottom corner. Lampard celebrated as if his team had won—relief after a game slipping away. But it didn’t last.

The match went into extra time, where Sunderland pushed for a goal, but Coventry defended well. Just as everyone braced for penalties, in the 122nd minute, Dan Ballard headed home, sending Sunderland to the Championship final. They must face Sheffield United at Wembley for Premier League promotion.