English
Sunderland Edges Out Coventry in Tense Promotion Play-off Clash
Coventry, West Midlands – Sunderland secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Coventry City in a fiercely contested first leg of their Championship promotion play-off semi-final at The Coventry Building Society Arena. Referee John Busby oversaw a match characterized by tension and several fouls, with Coventry receiving four yellow cards and Sunderland one.
Despite enjoying 75% possession, Coventry struggled to translate their dominance into goals. They managed 14 shots, but only 3 were on target. Sunderland, with only 25% possession, proved far more clinical. Isidor gave Sunderland the lead in the 68th minute, thanks to an assist from Le Fee. Rudoni equalized for Coventry in the 70th minute, with Van Ewijk providing the assist. However, Mayenda secured the win for Sunderland with a goal in the 88th minute. The result leaves Sunderland with a slight advantage heading into the second leg.
Substitutions coventry: at minute 71 E. Mason-Clark came in and B. Thomas-Asante went out., at minute 82 J. Allen came in and B. Sheaf went out.
Substitutions sunderland: at minute 77 C. Rigg came in and W. Isidor went out., at minute 86 C. Mepham came in and P. Roberts went out., at minute 90 A. Browne came in and E. Mayenda went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Coventry
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