Ballard’s header sparked absolute bedlam in the stands as he booked his side’s place at Wembley on May 24 against the Blades, who had a rather smoother progression to the final with a 6-0 aggregate victory over Bristol City.

Sunderland will face Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final after Daniel Ballard's header in the final seconds of extra time snatched a 1-1 home draw against Coventry City on Tuesday to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory.

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.

Sunderland's 2-1 win in the first leg was their first victory against Coventry since February 2007, ending a run of 10 games without a win against the Sky Blues (D5 L5). Coventry have won two of their past five away games against Sunderland in all competitions (D3), having won just one of their first 18 visits to the Black Cats (D8 L9).

Luke O’Nien has sent a generous message to vanquished opponents Coventry City after last night’s play-off semi-final heartbreak at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland are going to Wembley - and our cameras were in action to capture the drama against Coventry City! Dan Ballard’s late winner secured a place at Wembley and the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.

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.

Sunderland booked their place in the Championship play-off final with a last gasp aggregate win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry City. Dan Ballard’s goal in the final moments of extra

Kevin Phillips didn’t hold back in his assessment of Sunderland ’s gritty play-off semi-final win over Coventry City, admitting the Black Cats “got away with murder” at times during Tuesday night’s second leg at the Stadium of Light.