Leo Hjelde has emerged as a surprise penalty-taking option for Sunderland after his late introduction in the play-off semi final against Coventry City.

Sunderland and Coventry City yesterday shattered the record for the highest combined attendance across a two-legged Championship semi-final - bedlam greeting the final whistle at the Stadium of Light

Follow live coverage as Sunderland face Coventry City in the Championship today.An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

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The Black Cats reached the Championship play-off final after Dan Ballard's last-gasp header in extra time decided their semi-final tie against Coventry City

Frank Lampard will need to perform another play-off semi-final miracle when his Coventry City side travel to the Stadium of Light looking to overturn a one-goal deficit on aggregate

Three of the Championship play-off teams have a history, which explains why Jimmy Hill's name may echo around Coventry's away end tonight

There was some precedent, with teams playing on the east side allowed to take over, and it was confirmed earlier today that the application had been successful, with Snell insisting: “I promise you it’s going to be one hell of a party. The club have been in touch, and it’s going to be a full takeover.”

Sunderland have reached the Championship play-off final after a dramatic 3-2 aggregate win over Coventry City. Scorers: Ballard 120+3'; Mason-Clark 75'Ephron Mason-Clark broke the deadlock in the