Skysports Pundit praises ‘immense’ Sunderland ace after Dan Ballard goal against Coventry City, he’s now a club ‘legend’
Sky Sports pundits praise ‘immense’ Sunderland ace after Dan Ballard goal against Coventry City, he’s now a club ‘legend’
Coventry City fell to Sunderland in extra-time in a dramatic play-off semi-final, with Dan Ballard the hero in both games for Regis Le Bris’ side.
The play-offs continue to excite and Sheffield United await Sunderland later this month in the richest game in football. Frank Lampard, the Coventry boss, was looking to end their disappointment at Wembley but he will have to do it all over again next season.
While Regis Le Bris was dividing fans for these defining fixtures ahead of the first semi-final, only one could make it all the way to play at the home of football to book their place at Wembley.
The first leg win was perfect but a nerve-shredding second leg was made dramatic by Ephron Mason-Clark winning the 90-minute game 1-0 to make it 2-2 on aggregate. It looked for all the world as though it would be penalties before Ballard’s header from a corner.
Don Goodman and Jobi McAnuff react to Dan Ballard goal against Coventry to take Sunderland to Wembley
Ballard had 40 clearances and was Man of the Match in both games. The giant Sunderland defender at the back helped Sunderland defend like ‘demons’ in game one but the second leg he was needed at the other end to win it.
The Sky Sports commentary team included Don Goodman and Jobi McAnuff alongside Gary Weaver. Weaver, as the corner was being taken, said: “Could this be any dramatic? Could this be any more tense?”
After Ballard’s dramatic goal, Goodman added: “Well, just when you think you’ve seen it all. But if ever a man deserved to win a play-off semi-final, it’s Dan Ballard.
“He has been immense in both legs. He just peels off. It’s really awkward! How on earth has he made that kind of a connection. He’s almost doubled over in the air here.
“I mean, what a header that is. And it goes in off the underside of the bar. It’s joy! It’s joy for Sunderland! And it is heartbreak for Coventry City.”
McAnuff added: “Well, it’s absolute pandemonium in the Stadium of Light. A noise, I’ve got to be honest, I’m not sure I’ve heard before. It is absolutely incredible in here.
“You said as the corner was going in, ‘can you find a good delivery? Is there somebody who wants to go and head it?’ Yes and yes.
“And it’s that man there. As you say, Don, he’s been an absolute colossus. What drama.”
Weaver continued: “Dan Ballard, a central figure, he’s had the most touches — mainly at the other end. One huge touch and moment to last a lifetime at the other.”
Goodman said: “Well, you’ve got a Sunderland legend down there in Kevin Phillips. Dan Ballard has joined him!”
Weaver: “Ballard, rising to the occasion. He didn’t expect to start the first leg, thought he might start the second, and he’s come up with the biggest goal of his career so far.”
“Every year, we wonder can there be more drama when we get to this stage of the season, and every year the play-offs deliver. I mean, this is incredible.”
Sunderland vs Coventry City match stats
The win was particularly impressive, given that the Black Cats have a worrying record against Cov, with Wilson Isidor given particular praise for his Sunderland performance in the first fixture.
Sunderland continued to set up tactically as they did in the reverse game, which was a mistake for much of the match in not taking the game to their visitors. They made things nervy and cagey before that Ballard moment.
Coventry were the better side for most of the 120 minutes and the stats reflected that. They did not make for pretty reading for Sunderland throughout.
They will have to hope for a more well-rounded performance in the final against a Sheffield United team with 90 points this season, with almost as many as the top two; it’ll be a huge challenge but football is for moments like these and moments like Ballard’s.