Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Jozy Altidore sends eight-word message after crazy Sunderland scenes v Coventry

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on: 

Sunderland booked their place in the play-off final courtesy of a last-gasp Dan Ballard header against Coventry City on Tuesday.

The centre-back leapt like his life depended on it in the 121st minute to snatch a 1-1 draw, which meant the Black Cats triumphed 3-2 on aggregate.

Messages from ex-players came flooding in after the result, and Jozy Altidore joined the chorus of supporters after the game.

Stadium of Light
Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland [Credit: Imago]

Altidore makes bold Sunderland claim

It is never a straightforward ride at the Stadium of Light, and that was evident again in the Black Cats' second leg draw.

Regis Le Bris' side followed the same blueprint as the previous encounter, which meant the North East side defended for sustained periods.

Coventry's bombardment of crosses finally paid off as Ephron Mason-Clark guided home Milan van Ewijk's cross in the 76th minute.

It took until the second half of extra time for the home side to enjoy prolonged periods of possession, which led to a last-minute corner.

With seconds remaining, Ballard rose above all to head home from a pinpoint Enzo Le Fee delivery.

Ecstasy ensued within the Stadium of Light with what can only be described as limbs.

Match statisticsSunderlandCoventry City
Total shots1620
Shots off target710
Shots saved12
Corners710
Free kicks1317
Fouls1917
Offsides02
Coventry had more opportunities than Sunderland

After the incredible finale, former Sunderland striker Altidore took to X to share his thoughts on the game.

Above a video depicting the scenes at the end of the match, he wrote (14 May): "Some of the best fans in the world."

It would be hard to argue against the American, with bodies flailing in every direction amongst the cacophony of noise.

Supporters can get Sunderland over the line

There is no doubt that Sunderland will enter the play-off final as underdogs as they take on Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium.

Chris Wilder's men finished above the Black Cats in the close season, but Le Bris' side beat them at the Stadium of Light.

If the North East side defends deep against the Blades, then they will invite pressure, and they possess the quality to punish the Wearsiders.

However, Sunderland will have their supporters in full voice, and they can create an electric atmosphere in the capital.

With them getting behind their side, they can push the Black Cats over the line and win the play-offs.

www.mackemnews.com