Exclusive: Andy Madley hailed after Bellingham controversy in Sunderland v Coventry
Dan Ballard caused the whole of Sunderland to erupt after scoring in the final minute of their play-off clash against Coventry City on Tuesday.
Coventry took the lead through Ephron Mason-Clark in the 76th minute, which saw the game go to extra time with a 2-2 scoreline on aggregate.
Penalties looked to be the likely destiny to settle the tie, until Ballard scored a header with just seconds of the game remaining, to take his side to Wembley.
Although the defender is the man of the moment on Wearside, it was another moment in the game that caught the eye of Keith Hackett.
Andy Madley credited for game management
Sunderland were fully deserving of victory in the first leg of their play-off tie against Coventry, but the Sky Blues came fighting to the Stadium of Light.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Sunderland | 41% | 16 | 4 |
| Coventry | 59% | 20 | 2 |
This looked as though it could spill over at times, though, and when Jobe Bellingham clashed with Coventry goalkeeper Ben Wilson in the box, there was some pushing and shoving.
Teammates on both sides came over to get involved, encouraging the referee to dish out punishments.
Andy Madley kept his cool, though, and showed a yellow card to both Bellingham and Wilson for their hot-headedness, which Hackett was a big fan of.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, the former PGMOL official said: “Another first class piece of officiating when Bellingham and Coventry City goalkeeper clash and players ran in.
“Referee Madley remained calm and correctly yellow-carded the two players.”
Sunderland preparing for Sheffield United tie
It may have taken until the dying moments of the game, but the Black Cats have secured their place at Wembley for a chance to gain promotion to the Premier League.
The nature of the goal may well give Sunderland some massive momentum going into the game, though, with supporters on cloud nine.
Given that Sheffield United finished the season sitting 14 points clear of the Black Cats, the final will be no easy game, meaning Regis Le Bris’ men will have to be at the top of their game.
Nevertheless, it’s a one-off occasion and with so much at stake, the Mackems will be ready to spur their side on, all the way to the Premier League.