Dan Neil scandalous, Ballard heroic – Sunderland player ratings v Coventry
Daniel Ballard was the hero for Sunderland as they beat Coventry City on aggregate to qualify for the Championship playoff final on Tuesday.
Sunderland were 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light away from booking their place in the Championship final at Wembley after beating Coventry 2-1 in the first leg on Friday (9 May).
With a one-goal lead in hand, the Black Cats managed to keep Frank Lampard’s side at bay for the first 75 minutes, despite a few scares.
However, Coventry pulled level in the tie with a goal from Ephron Mason-Clark with only 15 minutes to 90, much to Regis Le Bris’ frustration.
This left the Wearside-based club fighting for a late winter, although to no avail, as the game went into extra time.
With nothing separating the two sides, it looked like the game would go into the dreaded penalties, but Daniel Ballard emerged as the hero with a winner right at the death, thus taking the roof off the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland player ratings v Coventry
Anthony Patterson – 5
Trai Hume – 6
Daniel Ballard – 9
Luke O’Nien – 7
Dennis Cirkin (Off for Leo Hjelde 120+1′) – 5
Patrick Roberts (Off for Romaine Mundle 95′) – 4
Dan Neil – 3
Jobe Bellingham – 6
Enzo Le Fee – 4
Eliezer Mayenda – 5
Wilson Isidor (Off for Chris Rigg 83′) – 4
Substitutes
Chris Rigg (On for Wilson Isidor 83′) – 5
Romaine Mundle (On for Patrick Roberts 95′) – 5
Leo Hjelde (On for Dennis Cirkin 120+1′) – 5
Le Fee saves face with assist
Ballard was the standout player for Sunderland, as he remained a rock at the back despite constant pressure from the Coventry attackers before clinching the much-needed winner at the end.
While O’Nien was also a formidable presence, especially in duels, a lot of his teammates left much to be desired.
| Sunderland | Stat | Coventry City |
| 16 | Shots | 20 |
| 4 | Shots on target | 2 |
| 41% | Possession | 59% |
| 451 | Passes | 614 |
| 78% | Pass accuracy | 83% |
The midfield was a huge letdown for Le Bris at the Stadium of Light, as Roberts, Neil, and Le Fee failed to impress for the hosts, with Bellingham only better of the lot.
However, Le Fee saved further embarrassment by providing the assist for Ballard’s winner.
Sunderland‘s attack looked toothless for the most part as well, as they hardly tested Ben Wilson in the Coventry goal during the first 90 minutes.
Isidor was particularly disappointing and was rightfully replaced by Rigg, although Le Bris should have taken him off earlier.
Nevertheless, all eyes are now on the playoff final against Sheffield United at Wembley on 24 May.