Sunderland booked a place at Wembley in dramatic fashion, while Goodison Park earned a reprieve just when it appeared 133 years of football was coming to an end there.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery from abdominal surgery and Lauren James’ lengthy injury lay-off is causing concern for England boss Sarina Wiegman.
Black Cats leave it late
Dan Ballard sent Sunderland into the Sky Bet Championship play-off final with a last-gasp extra-time header as Coventry’s Wembley dream died on Wearside.
The central defender struck in the third minute of stoppage time after the clock had ticked past the 120-minute mark with the aggregate score tied at 2-2 to make it 1-1 on the night and book Regis Le Bris’ side a final showdown with Sheffield United on Saturday, May 24.
Ephron Mason-Clark’s 76th-minute volley dragged Frank Lampard’s men level in the tie as the Black Cats’ stubborn resistance was finally broken, to the dismay of the locals among a bumper crowd of 46,530 at the Stadium of Light, but redemption arrived in the nick of time.
Marinakis protecting Forest family, say club
Nottingham Forest say the seriousness of Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury validates owner Evangelos Marinakis storming onto the pitch following the 2-2 draw with Leicester.
Awoniyi underwent urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury suffered after he crashed into the post in the final 10 minutes on Sunday, remaining on the pitch after being given the all-clear by medical staff, but barely being able to move.
He has since been placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery.
“To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us,” said a club statement.
“That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday.
“It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur.”
Goodison gets new lease of life
Goodison Park has been saved from demolition after Everton decided to move their women’s team into the ground from next season.
The men will bid an emotional farewell to their home for 133 years against Southampton on Sunday as they move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
But instead of being repurposed for community use, Goodison will now host Women’s Super League matches as the team upgrade from nearby Walton Hall Park.
“This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading,” said Everton captain Megan Finnigan.
Wiegman waiting for James
Chelsea forward Lauren James’ fitness for this summer’s Euros could come down to the wire, admits England boss Sarina Wiegman.
The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in April, missing the business end of the Blues’ sixth straight Women’s Super League title-winning campaign, and remains unavailable for England’s upcoming Nations League meetings with Portugal and Spain.
Experienced trio Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp all make their respective returns from long-term knee injuries, while there is a maiden senior call-up for Tottenham defender Ella Morris.
“We look at (James) as an individual,” said Wiegman. “She is where she should be at. She can’t join us in the next camp but with her we are trying to build her with her club.
“She wants to go to the Euros and hopefully we can get her fit and ready to go into it.”
What’s on today
The League One promotion play-off semi-final second leg between Stockport and Leyton Orient is finely-poised at 2-2.
Former EFL clubs Oldham and FC Halifax both seek to extend their interest in a return from the National League at Boundary Park.
