In a dramatic conclusion to the Championship Play-Off semi-finals, Sunderland eliminated Coventry City with a goal in the final moments of the match to secure a victory on aggregate. The intense and tactical showdown leaves the Black Cats just one step away from returning to the Premier League a feat they haven’t achieved in eight years.

The Invisible Tactic: Groundskeepers and Advertising Boards

Beyond the technical decisions made by Dick Advocaat, manager of Sunderland, one of the most clever moves came from the club’s own ground staff. In an unconventional tactic, the gardeners moved the pitch-side advertising boards two meters forward, with a clear goal in mind: to limit Coventry City’s ability to execute long throw-ins.

This move proved crucial in shutting down one of the opposition's most dangerous offensive weapons. Under Frank Lampard, Coventry City had scored more goals from throw-ins than any other team in English football, largely due to the powerful arm of Dutch defender Milan van Ewijk.

Last-Minute Goal From Daniel Ballard Sends Sunderland to the Final

Sunderland appeared to have the match under control, but in the 76th minute, a defensive lapse allowed Ephron Jardell to level the aggregate and send the game into extra time. The home side endured heavy pressure, but in the 120th minute, Daniel Ballard sealed the win with a header that bounced off the crossbar and into the net.

The Black Cats will now face Sheffield United on May 24 at Wembley, still dreaming of a long-awaited return to the top flight of English football after eight years.