BALLS OF STEEL

Daring Dan's last-gasp header breaks Coventry hearts and sends Black Cats to Wembley final

- MIKE WALTERS

SO there will be more red-and-white stripes on Wembley Way than a cough-candy jar on May 24.

With the hourglass down to the last grains of sand, Dan Ballard - who had been outstanding at the back all night - headed the goal that took Sunderland to the Championship play-off final.

On balance of play, it was robbery. Coventry were vastly superior for most of a frenzied contest but, as red flares augmented the pockets of mist drifting in off the Wear, Ballard booked a showdown with Sheffield United a week on Saturday with a headed winner deep in the last seconds of extra-time.

The Stadium of Light shook in the mayhem, and Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard (circle) looked gutted at his side's undeserved fate.

Sunderland are now just 90 minutes from ending their eight-year exile from the top flight.