play-off semi-final

Frank Lampard Hails Coventry as ‘Better Team’ — But His Surprise Message About Dan Ballard Steals the Spotlight

May 14, 2025 RAYMOND 0

“He was fantastic,” Frank Lampard said of Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, praising his commanding presence across both legs of the Championship play-off semi-final. “You could sense he was the one with real presence at the back.” Despite the heartbreak of Coventry’s defeat, Lampard expressed pride in his team’s performance, believing they were the better side overall. “We got back in the game and the feeling was we would go on and win it,” he reflected. “That’s football—it can be cruel in critical moments.”

Blades Tear Through History: Ruthless Sheffield United Crush Bristol City 3-0 (6-0 Agg) – Baldock Emerges as Key Figure in Play-Off Storm with Bigger Glory Beckoning

May 13, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Sheffield United’s march to Wembley was more than just a dominant display—it was a night steeped in history and emotion. Their 3-0 victory over Bristol City, sealing a 6-0 aggregate win, didn’t just book a place in the final; it matched the biggest winning margin in a two-legged English play-off tie, a record untouched since 1993. But as the final whistle blew at Bramall Lane, it wasn’t the scoreline or Wembley chants that filled the air—it was the name of George Baldock. The late wing-back’s memory overshadowed the moment of triumph, with supporters singing his name and players holding aloft a Greek flag in tribute. In a performance defined by composure and heart, the Blades not only made history—they honored it.

Liam Manning Fires Warning to Liverpool as Bristol City Plot Dramatic Play-Off Revival Against Sheffield United

May 11, 2025 RAYMOND 0

“We’re definitely not down and out; that has to be the mindset of everybody,” Liam Manning declared ahead of Bristol City’s uphill second-leg clash against Sheffield United. Reflecting on famous football comebacks—from Liverpool’s unforgettable Champions League triumph in 2005 to Sheffield Wednesday’s play-off heroics—Manning has used these moments to fuel belief within his squad. Despite trailing 3-0 from the first leg and facing the challenge of overturning that deficit away from home, the City head coach remains defiant. “It’s only half-time,” he insisted. “They scored three in one leg—why can’t we?”

Fuming Frank Lampard Warns ‘It’s Not Over’ as Sunderland Outsmarts Coventry in Tactical Showdown

May 10, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Coventry City face a daunting task in the second leg of their play-off semi-final after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at the CBS Arena. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the Sky Blues were undone by a tactically disciplined Black Cats side who executed a low-block, counter-attacking game plan to perfection. A late defensive error sealed Coventry’s fate on the night, leaving manager Frank Lampard visibly frustrated but defiant in his post-match comments: “It’s not over.” The passionate home crowd created a stirring atmosphere, but familiar issues—missed chances and costly mistakes—once again threatened to derail City’s promotion hopes.

Showdown Set: Sunderland Ready to ‘Get Hammered’ in Explosive Play-Off Clash with Arch-Rivals Coventry

May 4, 2025 RAYMOND 0

Tension is running high in the North East as Sunderland prepare for a daunting play-off semi-final clash against long-time rivals Coventry City. After a string of poor results, Black Cats fans are bracing for the worst, with many predicting a heavy defeat. Coventry, who have proven a consistent thorn in Sunderland’s side, head into the tie with a psychological edge, having remained unbeaten in their last ten encounters. Despite their own recent dip in form, the Sky Blues’ dominant 3-0 win in March still looms large — a reminder of the challenge that awaits Sunderland. As frustration mounts, some supporters have gone as far as to call the club’s late-season collapse “embarrassing” and fear the play-off tie could be over after the first leg.