Coventry City denied place in play off final after extra-time heartbreak

After defying the odds, local Championship side Coventry City FC lost out on a shot at promotion, after a 3-2 loss on aggregate to tough opponents, Sunderland AFC. Having lost at home during the first leg despite dominating the game, the Sky Blues went into the second leg 2-1 down, and with a lot to prove as they travelled to the Stadium of Light on the 13th of May.

After an incredibly tense first half and a stalemate between the two sides, it was absolutely all to play for in the final 45 minutes, with Coventry again dominating play but struggling to convert their attempts. Van Ewijk’s cross in the 76th minute was sent into the bottom corner by Ephron Mason-Clark to put Coventry 1-0 up and send the game into extra time.

Lampard expressed nothing but “immense pride” at his team’s achievements throughout the season

The stakes were upped and so was Sunderland’s energy going into the final half an hour, but they too were struggling to capitalise on their attempts. That was until they were awarded a corner in the last minute of the game. After an impressive delivery from Enzo Le Fée, centre back Dan Ballard headed the ball into the back of the net with just 8 seconds to go, and the Stadium of Light erupted, as Coventry’s Premier League hopes slipped from their grasp.

Despite the loss, manager, Frank Lampard expressed nothing but “immense pride” at his team’s achievements throughout the season, describing the loss as one of the “cruellest” of his career. Lampard arrived in the West Midlands in November last year, when Coventry were sitting just 17th in the Championship, only two points above the relegation zone. No one believed that just 5 months later, the side would be fighting for promotion, especially considering Lampard’s managerial record, which hasn’t been the most successful.

A 24-year absence is set to continue for the Sky Blues

Since Lampard’s arrival, Coventry’s form did nothing but improve, achieving 16 wins in their remaining 29 league games. Performing particularly well at their home ground, the Sky Blues have lost just twice since November, seeing off play-off rivals Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.

Crucial to their form, they recorded the most goals from set pieces and crosses during the season. Identifying this potent aerial threat, Sunderland ground staff were instructed to move advertising boards inwards by two metres, countering Van Ewijk’s long throws.

Ironically, it was from a set piece that the match-ending goal came, while Coventry failed to capitalise on any of 20 corners they were awarded across both legs.

Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, a 24 year Premier League absence is set to continue for one more year, but the prospects for next season are certainly exciting, and fans are expecting big things from Coventry City when the 25/26 season kicks off in August.