December 25, 2024

Sheffield Wednesday 1 Sunderland 1 (Agg 1-2): Roberts scores dramatic 93rd-minute winner to send Black Cats to Wembley

Patrick Roberts #PatrickRoberts

SUNDERLAND have booked their place in the League One play-off final thanks to Patrick Roberts’ dramatic 93rd-minute strike away at Sheffield Wednesday.

The game looked to be heading into extra-time at Hillsborough after Lee Gregory scored in the 74th minute to make it 1-1 on aggregate.

Patrick Roberts scored at the death to send Sunderland into the League One play-off final

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Patrick Roberts scored at the death to send Sunderland into the League One play-off finalCredit: Rex Roberts' 93rd-minute goal against Sheffield Wednesday set up a clash against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley

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Roberts’ 93rd-minute goal against Sheffield Wednesday set up a clash against Wycombe Wanderers at WembleyCredit: Getty

But former Manchester City winger Roberts popped up late on to set up a clash against Wycombe at Wembley on May 21.

The result condemns Darren Moore’s side to another season in the third-tier of English football after being relegated from the Championship last year.

But as for Alex Neil’s men, they now have the chance to seal a return to the Championship after they dropped down in the 2017-18 term.

The Black Cats reached the League One play-off final the following campaign, but lost to Charlton courtesy of Patrick Bauer’s 93rd-minute winner.

Lee Gregory put the Owls 1-0 up in the semi-final first leg in the 74th minute

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Lee Gregory put the Owls 1-0 up in the semi-final first leg in the 74th minuteCredit: PA The game looked to be heading to extra-time when Gregory scored in the second half

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The game looked to be heading to extra-time when Gregory scored in the second halfCredit: Getty

Wednesday got off to a bright start, with Gregory having a shot blocked early on and Josh Windass seeing a deflected effort go just wide.

Danny Batth went closest for the visitors in the first half, as he headed over after getting on the end of a free-kick.

Sunderland came out the blocks strong in the second period with Jack Clarke and Roberts going close.

But it was the Owls that took the lead as Barry Bannan released Marvin Johnson on the left, who sent over a low cross which was turned in by Gregory from close range.

Sunderland boss Alex Neil celebrates after the away tie at Hillsborough

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Sunderland boss Alex Neil celebrates after the away tie at HillsboroughCredit: PA

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Just when it looked as though the game was heading into extra-time, Roberts lashed past goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell after being picked out by Tottenham loanee Jack Clarke.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, a jubilant Roberts said: “The goal came at a good time. I’ve had a few opportunities in the last few weeks.

“We had the energy to get up the pitch. Jack Clarke did great on the left, I put it on target. What a time to do it.

“We kept believing and kept going. We had to dig in and find that extra bit of energy. Thankfully we had that in the end. We’re delighted.”

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