Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Coventry City in the Championship today.An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

A last gasp winner from Sunderland’s Dan Ballard broke Sky Blue hearts after Coventry City were a minute away from a penalty shootout in a superb performance at the Stadium of Light. Ephron Mason-Clark got City back in the tie with a cool 76th minute finish to the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead on the night but pull them level on aggregate,

The Black Cats reached the Championship play-off final after Dan Ballard's last-gasp header in extra time decided their semi-final tie against Coventry City

Frank Lampard will need to perform another play-off semi-final miracle when his Coventry City side travel to the Stadium of Light looking to overturn a one-goal deficit on aggregate

COVENTRY, England (AP) — Sunderland struck late to beat host Coventry 2-1 on Friday in the first leg of the Championship semifinal playoffs.

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.

Three of the Championship play-off teams have a history, which explains why Jimmy Hill's name may echo around Coventry's away end tonight

Leo Hjelde has emerged as a surprise penalty-taking option for Sunderland after his late introduction in the play-off semi final against Coventry City.