Frank Lampard oversees unwanted Coventry first as Premier League dream takes major blow

Coventry achieved a string of unwanted firsts as their Premier League return dream took a major hit on Friday night.

Frank Lampard’s side were beaten 2-1 at home by Sunderland in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

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Lampard’s dream of promotion to the Premier League has suffered a major setbackCredit: Getty

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Sunderland snatched a late victory at Coventry in their play-off semi-final first legCredit: GettyIt is the first time the Sky Blues have tasted defeat in the EFL play-offs inside 90 minutes in what was their seventh match.

Their only previous defeat came on penalties to Luton in the Championship final two seasons ago.

However, their clash at Wembley Stadium ended level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of action.

The Black Cats had taken the lead at the CBS Arena through Wilson Isidor in the 68th minute.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoventry were level just moments later, though, as Jack Rudoni produced an immediate response with a thumping header.

Sunderland then left it late to snatch a winner through Eliezer Mayenda two minutes from time.

Mayenda’s goal secured the Black Cats’ first win away at Coventry since a victory at Highfield Road in April 1985.

The west Midlands outfit had also been unbeaten in ten league meetings with their play-off opponents dating back to a defeat in February 2007.

Despite losing the match, Lampard praised his side at full-time, telling Sky Sports: “Good performance from the team, pushed and pushed, dominated possession of the ball and unfortunate to be one behind going into the second leg.

“We controlled a lot of it, it’s hard and I can’t blame the players really in terms of the low block they had.

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The defeat was Coventry’s first play-off loss inside 90 minutes in their historyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

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Sunderland ended a 40-year wait for an away win against the Sky BluesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial”They defended their box really well and sometimes you’ve got to say well done to the opposition. Will the game look like this on Tuesday? I’m not sure, so it’s certainly not time for us to get down about it.”

Asked what he has said to Milan van Ewijk after his mistake lead to the winner, he added: “We don’t have to talk about that now, he’s been brilliant for us.”

Looking ahead to the second leg, the former Chelsea boss admitted: “We go again, simple. It will be a tough game for us and obviously it’s still very, very close.”

Regis Le Bris’ side will now defend their narrow lead at the Stadium of Light in the second leg on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it is unwanted history for Lampard, who guided his side to a fifth place finish after taking over in November.

Prior to Friday’s defeat, Coventry had contested six play-off matches without losing in 90 minutes.

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Their first post-season campaign in 2018 saw Mark Robins’ side beat Notts County 5-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

They then followed that victory up with a 3-1 win over Exeter at Wembley Stadium to clinch promotion to League One.

Robins was once again in charge two years ago for a semi-final triumph over Middlesbrough.

However, they were then beaten on penalties by Luton in the final after a 1-1 draw.

As well as ending their unbeaten record, the reverse against Sunderland also extended Coventry’s poor home form in the play-offs.

Despite not losing in their first two campaigns, the Sky Blues have yet to win a home match during the post-season promotion scramble.

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Coventry have now failed to win any of their three EFL play-off matches at homeCredit: GettyIn 2018, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Notts County before winning 4-1 away.

Meanwhile, their home leg against Middlesbrough in 2023 ended goalless ahead of a narrow 1-0 victory at the Riverside three days later.

Coventry must now overturn their one-goal deficit on Wearside next week to keep alive their hopes of a Premier League return.

Read More on talkSPORTThe club have not appeared in the top-flight for 24 years following relegation in 2001.

Bristol City or Sheffield United await the winners in the final at Wembley on May 24, with the Blades leading 3-0 on aggregate.