by Coventry retained their position in the Championship play-offs with a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Jamie Allen scored the first goal in the 25th minute, taking his second goal in as many games after Viktor Gyokeres retired, slipping in within a second and making a perfect appearance in his 100th appearance for the Sky Blues shirt.
Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City celebrates scoring his team’s second goal of the match
On loan from Manchester United, Amad Diallo curled up beautifully, halving the injury-time deficit in the second half, but that was only consolation for Tony Mowbray’s side who missed out on a play-off chance after extending their playing time. a streak of not winning away to Coventry in the league since April 1985.
Meanwhile, the Sky Blues climbed to 10th place, two points off the top six with 13 matches left.
How Sky Blues closed in the top six
With valuable points up for grabs, the pace was high from the start. Both teams tested the water early with half chances and Danny Batth sent alarm bells when he vaulted over Kasey Palmer to send a header into the bar.
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Sunderland’s Danny Batth headers on goal as it bounces off the crossbar during his side’s Championship game against Coventry
Sunderland soon took control of the ball, but that meant little to Coventry, who had won 11 games this season in which they had less than 50 per cent possession.
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Jamie Allen from Coventry comes in the box to lead 1-0 over Sunderland in the Championship
Shortly after Gyokeres ran down a misplaced pass and took a shot over the crossbar, he marked his 100th appearance for the Sky Blues with an assist by punching into the box and pulling the ball back for Allen to lead the opener.
The Swede then went it alone as the hosts looked to double their lead by sending a low skid shot inches from the left post.
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Viktor Gyokeres scores Coventry’s second goal against Sunderland in the Championship match
Most of the second period passed without incident. Coventry defended well and severely restricted Sunderland in the final period before doubling their lead as Gyokeres rushed in to lead a cross from substitute Matt Godden for his 15th league goal of the campaign.
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Amad Diallo scores a wonderful consolation goal for Sunderland in their Championship defeat to Coventry City
The visitors finally got their breakthrough as Diallo controlled the cross and beat Ben Wilson with a sublime effort in the loop, though it wasn’t enough for a dramatic equaliser.
Man of the Match – Viktor Gyokeres
What’s next?
Coventry are next in action at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, February 28 when face Preston in Deepdale, in a live game Sky Sports Red Football Button.
Sunderlandmeanwhile, be back at 3pm on Saturday March 4th when they face off Stoke at the Stadium of Light.
