Coventry boss Frank Lampard believes his sides last-gasp Championship play-off semi-final defeat at Sunderland was one of the cruellest moments in his career. Dan Ballards header in extra-time stoppage time sent Sunderland to Wembley in dramatic fashion, making it 1-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate to set up a Championship play-off final against Sheffield United on May 24, live on Sky Sports.
But it was heartbreak for Coventry boss Lampard as the Sky Blues Premier League promotion dream was ended on Wearside. Sunderland snatch last-gasp win over Coventry to seal passage to WembleyAll you need to know – Streaming Sky Sports with NOW | Get Sky SportsDownload the Sky Sports App to watch every Sky Sports+ gameLive EFL on Sky Sports+ & how to watch | Get more EFL to your phone with WhatsAppAsked how cruel football can be, the ex-England and Chelsea midfielder told Sky Sports: Yeah, thats the biggest example I think Ive probably been involved in.
Firstly, congratulations to Sunderland, they go to the final. But, Ive got immense pride in my players, over the two games, we dominated at home and dominated huge periods of this game. Where weve come from, 17th in the league in December, the players have been brilliant in the second half of the season.
Were competing with the parachute teams in terms of where we finish. We came here with absolute bravery to play the way we play. They had to concede to us because of the way we played, the way the lads controlled the game.
They dont deserve it, the players. Im a lot older, Ive been around a lot, so Ive taken whacks and Ive had success. I suppose I can be maybe a tiny bit more balanced in my job, but for those players, they dont deserve that.
So, congratulations to Sunderland. Were not bitter, but we were the better team over the two football matches. Absolutely clear. Thats why theyll be so happy that they won that game. Theyre going to Wembley, but in a football sense massive pride.
I cant ask for any more. Im so disappointed for the club, for the fans, the owner and the players. Once the dust settles, I cannot be disappointed with the way they play. You work every day with them and they take on information and theyre together in the group even at the end on the pitch.
So, you know, football. I didnt have to say much to them because the players were doing it. They owned it on the pitch. They owned it up until extra-time. They owned it the second half. It was like the crowd was dead quiet.
They understood that a team was coming and taking control on their home place. Its cruel. But I cant think of anything but pride for the season and for tonight. We wanted to go to Wembley. But sometimes the gods conspire against you in certain ways.
We want the squad to get stronger. The players have shown what they can do, that they can compete. The fans deserve it at this football club. I think that theyll be going home tonight proud of their players, their support.
And, yeah, Im just disappointed for them that they dont get a trip to Wembley. Le Bris: Well focus on final from ThursdaySunderland, meanwhile, remain on course to end their eight-year Premier League exile and will face the Blades at Wembley for a place in the top flight.
Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris says they will turn their attention to the Wembley showdown later this week. He told Sky Sports: On Thursday well switch on for the final, sure. So now its a question of just enjoying, recovering, and well switch on the final very quickly.
The Frenchman said of the dramatic ending: Its really fantastic because the scenario was absolutely incredible. We were probably too nervous for the first part of the game, and during extra-time I think we were good.
We played our football and now its just fantastic, so just enjoy it now. It was a little bit frustrating [on the touchline] because we knew on the bench that we could play a better football but its a semi-final at home and with 1-0 before the equaliser, I think we were between two attitudes.
So after the goal, it was clear that now we wanted to score and the game changed. Asked what he said at extra-time, he replied: I think we changed our structure because we played with three midfielders at that moment.
It wasnt possible before, and yes, we got back in our way of playing, and I think it was Sunderland at that moment. Ballard: Its what dreams are made of Sunderlands hero, Ballard, scored in the final second of the two added minutes of extra-time to send the North East side to Wembley.
The Northern Ireland international told Sky Sports: Its what dreams are made of, really. The fans today were absolutely incredible. It was just feeling like it wasnt going to be our day. All the lads were desperate to give them something to celebrate.
What a dramatic final. Its what dreams are made of. Questioned on his goal, he said: I got up too early. I was so determined, and I cant remember what happened. It just happened like that. Its some feeling that.
The 25-year-old added: I was so nervous going into that first game. Hes left Chris Mepham out, whos probably been our best player all season. So it was a big call and I feel for him, but Im just so happy the gaffer has put his trust in me, and hopefully Ive repaid it.
Meanwhile, Ballards team-mate Luke ONien said the game was a blur but he felt sorry for Coventry. He told Sky Sports: Im lost for words. Im just looking around at what this mans [Ballard] done for this city.
Its incredible. Its a credit to Coventry. Its a tough one to take. I think it was a hell of a tie, so credit to them and their fans. Ive been on the receiving end of a loss in the semis, and it was a tough one, but I really enjoyed the game; theyre tough opponents, and theyll come good.
Its been a bit of a blur the whole game. Ive only really just remembered the last minute. I saw Ballards top off and everyone running in different directions. I cant remember the game, to be honest with you.
I only remember the last minute. Phillips: Sunderland got away with it but deserve place in final Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips speaking to Sky Sports: Its ironic that Coventry scored the most from set-plays and crosses this season, and its a set-play that has cost them.
Its cruel, and you saw that Frank was gutted. But its about taking chances and Sunderland took theirs. We asked at the beginning of the play-offs whod be the hero, and Dan Ballard has done that. I dont think [Le Bris] will change his tactics.
Its a big pitch, it will be red hot, and theyll conserve their energy. Maybe take a set-play and hit them on the counter-attack. Do they deserve to be there? Ill say yes. The spirit, the hunger and the desire theyve shown.
They needed a bit of luck and they got that with the second goal down at Coventry. Theyve got away with murder tonight at times, but its football. Now they need to take it to Wembley and put in a performance against a very good Sheffield United team.
Merson: Coventry needed to get out while they couldSky Sports Paul Merson: As a manager, you have got to be disappointed. He has done a great job but these opportunities do not come along too often. It is such a hard league and the teams coming down are made for the Championship.
You wont get one of these three coming down like Luton, they will be right in the mix. It is difficult the get out of this league. You need to get out when you can. They were unlucky and by far the better team.
Now you have to do another 46 games. Hopefully its not the play-offs next time and they go up.
