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    Coventry condemn racist abuse of Fankaty Dabo as they release him just days after play-off penalty shootout miss

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    COVENTRY have condemned racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo following his play-off penalty miss.That’s after confirming the defender’s exit when his contract expires this summer.
    Coventry have slammed racist abuse aimed at Fankaty Dabo after his play-off penalty missCredit: Rex
    Coventry have also confirmed Dabo will leave when his contract expires this summerCredit: Rex
    Dabo, 27, missed Coventry’s sixth penalty in their dramatic shootout defeat to Luton at Wembley, leaving them stranded in the Championship for another season.
    The former Chelsea academy star was devastated as he blazed his effort over the crossbar.
    And Coventry have now hit out at sick trolls who sent disgusting racist abuse to Dabo in the wake of his miss, vowing to give the fan favourite their full support despite his impending exit.
    A statement read: “Coventry City is sickened and saddened following the racist messages sent to Fankaty Dabo on social media following Saturday’s Play-Off final.
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    “The messages sent by some individuals to Fanktay are abhorrent. We are clear that there is no place for racism in our society and that the Club and our partners will provide all of the support to Fanky that he needs.
    “The Club will work with the PFA, EFL and the Police regarding this matter, and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.
    “Many Sky Blues supporters sent supportive messages to Fanky following the game and we thank them for doing so.”
    Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King added: “The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments.
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    “The Club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.
    “Coventry is a tolerant and multi-cultural city that we are proud to represent, and there is no place for any form of racism or discrimination in person or on social media.”
    Meanwhile, Coventry also confirmed that Dabo is one of seven first-teamers who will leave this summer when their contracts expire.
    Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker are also leaving.
    Loanees Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Luke McNally are also going.
    But captain Liam Kelly has been offered a new one-year contract to prevent his departure on a free transfer. More

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      Dave Kidd: Nobody should be laughing at Luton… Man City going to Kenilworth Road is what makes English football great

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      LUTON TOWN’S chief executive Gary Sweet has just presided over a phenomenal piece of sporting sorcery, so he clearly doesn’t get much wrong.But the newest arrival at the Premier League’s top table made one mistake before the Hatters won the Championship play-off final and became the first club to complete the journey from the English top flight to non-league football and back again.
      Fans flocked to the streets for Luton’s promotion paradeCredit: EPA
      Luton completed their miraculous climb from non-league to the Premier League with victory over CoventryCredit: Getty
      Sweet said he was ‘annoyed’ about the apparent widespread mockery of Luton’s Kenilworth Road home.
      You know, the one where you enter the away end between two terraced houses and look down over a row of Coronation Street-style backyards as you go to the seats with barely enough legroom to accommodate a mob of oompa-loompa ultras.
      I went there last season. You can’t sit down.
      You can see the neighbouring washing lines but you can’t see much of the pitch. It was brilliant.
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      That isn’t sneering laughter Sweet is hearing — it’s joy, admiration and respect. It’s wonderment at the nature of the English football pyramid.
      It’s nostalgia for a time when many top-flight grounds were hemmed in by modest working-class homes and were literally a part of their communities.
      It’s amazement that matches from Kenilworth Road will be beamed across the planet from our supposedly shiny, sanitised ‘greed-is-good’ league.
      If there is any laughter at all, then it’s aimed at the Big Six, who signed up for a breakaway European Super League, thinking they were too big and important to play the likes of Luton, but will be getting their eardrums battered there next season.
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      Sweet noted that Erling Haaland won’t be entering Kenilworth Road through that away supporters entrance, but through ‘the other s**t entrance we have’. And, seeing as he mentioned Manchester City’s goal machine, let’s compare and contrast their two clubs.
      Well in 2008, Sheikh Mansour took over City just as Luton, who were about to start a League Two campaign with a 30-point deduction, were installing their new chairman — former Good Morning Britain presenter Nick Owen.
      Mansour, it’s safe to say, never shared a sofa with Roland Rat while wearing a wide range of pastel knitwear. But neither was he a lifelong fan of his club, like Owen is.
      You can see the neighbouring washing lines but you can’t see much of the pitch. It was brilliant.Dave Kidd
      Back in 2008, though, Luton had won a major trophy — the League Cup — only 20 years previously. City had been waiting for 12 years longer.
      And in 1983, Raddy Antic scored a dramatic final-day winner at Maine Road to save the Hatters, and relegate City from the top flight, provoking boss David Pleat to cavort across the pitch in a beige suit.
      These two clubs are part of the same ecosystem and next season they will compete at the same level again — just nine years after Luton played non-league football against Hyde United and Alfreton Town.
      City have won five titles in six years but their supporters might feel a hint of envy when they face Luton.
      Their filthy-rich club may have trophies galore but Luton have authenticity and soul. They are owned and run by genuine supporters, like Sweet and Owen, who stepped down as chairman in 2017.
      Kenilworth Road will be a shock to away Premier League players and fans next seasonCredit: Reuters
      There are no concerns about sports-washing or human-rights abuses or FFP breaches. Luton’s squad cost £5.5million in transfer fees and their wage bill was one of the smallest in the Championship.
      When they beat Coventry at Wembley on Saturday, the human interest stories were numerous.
      Captain Tom Lockyer watching the penalty shootout from hospital after collapsing on the pitch.
      Pelly Ruddock-Mpanzu ‘completing football’ having risen from the National League with the club.
      Manager Rob Edwards, churned out of the great Watford managerial sausage machine after just 11 matches, achieving promotion with their most bitter rivals. And club legend Mick Harford — a lovely bloke, miscast as an old-school hardman and currently suffering from prostate cancer — dissolving into tears after promotion was clinched.
      But while Luton’s story is unique, it is only just about unique.
      Coventry have survived ruinous ownership and homelessness to fight back from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League.
      It’s amazement that matches from Kenilworth Road will be beamed across the planet from our supposedly shiny, sanitised ‘greed-is-good’ league.Dave Kidd
      And next season, Luton will face Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham, who have all flirted with relegation to non-league football since the Premier League was founded.
      They will also face Brentford, whose marvellous relic of an old ground Griffin Park, with a pub on all four corners, only missed out on staging top-flight football by one season.
      There are limits to what can be achieved. Luton will not be fighting City for the title but then the Bees have just completed a league double over the Treble-hunters.
      Brilliantly-run clubs can still thrive, supporters can still dream, Sweet can rub shoulders with the Sheikhs of east Manchester and Geordie Arabia.
      Luton intend to move to a new stadium before long and, while that makes sense, their departure from Kenilworth Road will be a sad day.
      Read More on The Sun
      In the meantime, Sweet doesn’t need any chip on his shoulder regarding his club’s historic home.
      Nobody is laughing at Luton. But plenty of us are smiling with them. More

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      Barnsley 0 Sheffield Wednesday 1: Josh Windass heads in dramatic late winner as Owls seal Championship return in final

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      JOSH WINDASS followed in the footsteps of his dad Dean to become a Wembley play-off hero after shooting Sheffield Wednesday into the Championship.The midfielder clinched victory with a 123rd-minute diving header to break 10-man Barnsley’s hearts — after getting on the end of Lee Gregory’s cross.
      Sheffield Wednesday are back in the Championship after a 1-0 playoff final win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
      Darren Moore followed up the Peterborough comeback with a stunning promotion winCredit: Getty
      Josh Windass scored a dramatic 123rd minute winner at WembleyCredit: Getty
      Windass’ dramatic winner sparked wild celebrations from the OwlsCredit: Getty
      Club legend Barry Bannan was overcome with emotion at the final whistleCredit: Getty
      It comes 15 years after dad Windass Snr, 54, scored Hull’s winner against Bristol City to seal promotion to the Premier League.
      Windass, 29, was embraced on the pitch at the end by his old man before he climbed the Wembley steps to hold aloft the League One play-off trophy.
      And his proud dad said: “It’s incredible, absolutely incredible. I told him before the game he’d get the winner. I can’t believe he actually headed it. Wow.
      “I’m the proudest man in the world. I have no words. 
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      “I can’t believe it. He loves his football and has sacrificed his life for it since he was two years old.”
      There were just FIVE SECONDS left of the three allotted three minutes of stoppages ref Tim Robinson had added.
      For Wednesday, it was another glorious moment in their illustrious 155-year history as they returned to the Championship.
      They had laboured against the 10 men of Barnsley after Adam Phillips was sent off four minutes into the second half and were lucky not to concede a penalty after Gregory hacked down Liam Kitching.
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      Windass headed home with the last touch of the League One play-off final against BarnsleyCredit: Getty
      Wednesday fans were over the moon as they narrowly avoided a dreaded penalty shootoutCredit: PA
      Windass’ teammates were delighted to have secured a return to the second tierCredit: Getty
      Windass will got down in the history books at WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Lee Gregory fell to his knees as the whistle blewCredit: Reuters
      But they came up with a moment of quality when it mattered most.
      Yet, for Michael Duff’s side, it was cruel. They were the better team, should have had that spot kick and not been reduced to 10 men.
      But Wednesday deserved promotion. Their 96 points would have normally been enough to go up automatically — but for the brilliance of champions Plymouth and runners-up Ipswich.
      And then to overcome a 4-0 deficit against Peterborough after their semi-final play-off first leg to go on to win promotion is the stuff of fairytales.
      Boss Darren Moore said: “It goes to show the impossible can be achieved with great belief, understanding, it’s a fairytale story.
      “I’m pleased for this club because we can now prepare for the Championship with the huge fan base we’ve got so we make the right decisions internally to compete and be successful.
      “This is a special and delightful moment to help this club back up. It shows when everyone comes together what can be achieved. It’s been a long journey but one that was worthwhile.”
      But you have to feel for Barnsley. All the EFL play-off finals had the benefit of VAR — but you must wonder what is the point when they cannot spot obvious mistakes.
      It was heartache for Barnley at the final whistleCredit: Getty
      Fans couldn’t believe the dramatic late blowCredit: PA
      Barnsley will be spending another season in League OneCredit: Rex
      Wednesday toasted their accomplishment by lifting the playoff final trophyCredit: Rex
      Manager Moore will be hoping to prevent instant relegation next seasonCredit: Rex
      The penalty incident, in particular, was baffling. 
      Barnsley boss Michael Duff groaned: “It’s a cruel game.
      “I’ve had enough messages on my phone to tell me the decisions were wrong. I spoke to Jobi Morris and Clinton Morrison at half time and they both said it was a penalty and not a red card.
      “That adds to the frustration. I thought the red card was a booking, there was no malice or intent.  
      “And we’ve also not had a penalty all season and to not get one in the biggest game of all is a bug bear. You would’ve thought VAR would eradicate these things.
      ‘I thought we would’ve grown stronger with 10 men. It was their players who were going down with cramp.
      “There were a lot of tears. They are a young group and sometimes you must learn the hard way.”
      Kitching deflected a Nicky Cadden volley on to the bar with his head for Barnsley while Wednesday keeper Cameron Dawson made top stops from Cadden and James Norwood.
      Tykes keeper Harry Isted produced superb saves to keep out Dominic Iorfa and Bannan.
      Read More on The Sun
      But Luca Connell missed a sitter for Barnsley just six yards out before Will Vaulks thought he had won it for Wednesday before celebrations were ended by an offside flag.
      Then came the Windass show … and Wednesday are back in the Championship. More

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      Huddersfield want to bring back boss Neil Warnock, 74, as they reveal back-up option if he decides to retire again

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      HUDDERSFIELD want to bring back boss Neil Warnock — but the veteran will consult his family first.Owner-in-waiting Kevin Nagle admires the way Warnock, 74, helped Terriers stay in the Championship.
      Neil Warnock did a brilliant job to keep Huddersfield upCredit: Getty
      But the far-travelled manager had a health scare that prompted him to cancel dates on his personal tour.
      If Warnock is ruled out, Huddersfield will go for Barnsley’s Michael Duff.
      The Tykes take on Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow in the League One play-off final.
      Warnock was given a guard of honour by his own players after keeping Huddersfield up.
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      Chatting to SunSport’s Justin Allen last month, Warnock revealed what makes the likes of Pep Guardiola successful.
      He said: “It used to be the fashion to have older managers and then the trend moved to younger coaches.
      “They talk about tactics, formations and what have you — yet 95 percent of this job is and always will be man-management.
      “Pep Guardiola knows what he’s doing but the biggest thing he does is get the players to believe in what he says. That’s why he’s successful.”
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      On the trend of experienced bosses getting the chop mid-season, he added: “You just need an older head sometimes. I look at some of the decisions clubs make and who they’ve appointed as a caretaker.
      “I’m thinking ‘This is silly.’ Anyone who has a clue about football knows it’s not going to be a success. It baffles me.
      “That’s why there’ll always be a job for me every February, March and April if I keep my health.” More

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      Premier League new boys target transfer for Nottingham Forest outcast who’s playing on loan under Wayne Rooney

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST outcast Lewis O’Brien is back on the radar of Premier League new boys Sheffield United.The Blades were keen on landing the midfield dynamo in January’s window but were unable to sign players due to a transfer embargo.
      Sheffield United want to sign O’Brien from Nottingham ForestCredit: Getty
      O’Brien, 24, currently on loan at Wayne Rooney’s DC United in the MLS, is likely to be surplus to requirements again when he returns to Forest in July.
      They would consider a loan or permanent deal — with the only snag being whether to deal with a direct rival.
      Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom has a reduced transfer budget despite promotion back to the top flight.
      Saudi owner Prince Abdullah is trying to bolster his kitty by getting additional financial backing from allies in the Middle East.
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      O’Brien signed for Nottingham Forest in a £10million transfer from Huddersfield last summer.
      The midfielder made 15 appearances during his first five months at the City Ground before falling out of favour with Steve Cooper.
      He joined MLS side DC United on a four-month loan in March and has since registered one goal and one assist in 10 games.
      O’Brien was quick to praise Rooney upon his arrival in Washington.
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      He told DC United’s official website: “It’s massive, if you look back at my career I’ve played against him a few times as well.
      “We’ve had a few jokes about it. I know people that he’s managed previously back at Derby and stuff and it’s a perfect opportunity for me.
      “He played in a similar position that I play in and I think he’s going to make everyone he coaches a much better footballer.”
      Three MLS clubs – not including DC United – have expressed an interest in signing O’Brien in recent months.
      New York City, Columbus Crew and Atlanta United were keen on the prospect of signing him earlier this year. More

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      Luton manager Rob Edwards breaks down in tears as he speaks about Tom Lockyer injury after Hatters’ dramatic promotion

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      ROB EDWARDS broke down in tears while speaking about Tom Lockyer’s injury during the Championship play-off final.Luton Town managed earn their spot in next season’s Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties.

      Rob Edwards was in tears when talking about Tom LockyerCredit: SKY SPORTS
      Lockyer was stretchered off the pitch after collapsingCredit: PA
      His team-mates paid tribute during their celebrationsCredit: Alamy
      He celebrated the win from his hospital roomCredit: INSTAGRAM
      However, the Hatters had to do so without the club captain after he collapsed in the first half.
      And after the game manager Edwards was visibly emotional when talking about the defender.
      He told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak highly enough of him, really pleased he is okay.
      “He has been immense for us this season and health is the most important thing, more important than football and this.
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      “I don’t care right now until he is alright, I think a few of the lads have spoken to him and that is really good.
      “That is where my head is at right now.”
      After he went down in the first half, Lockyer was treated by both club’s medical teams.
      He received oxygen as he was stretchered to the medical room at Wembley Stadium, where his parents joined him.
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      Lockyer was then taken to hospital for further tests.
      Steven Lockyer, the Welshman’s father, confirmed that he was doing well after the game as he uploaded a picture of him celebrating after the penalty shootout.
      As the game continued, Jordan Clark put the Hatters in the lead in the 23rd minute before Gustavo Hamer’s second half effort forced the game to extra time.
      Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on but his goal was ruled out for handball leading to the shootout.
      Both sides went perfectly until Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo blasted over, leading to Luton Town’s victory.
      Lockyer’s team-mates paid tribute to their captain by holding up a shirt with his name on it during their celebrations. More

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      Tom Lockyer celebrates Luton promotion wildly from hospital bed after scary on-pitch collapse as dad gives health update

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      TOM LOCKYER celebrated Luton Town’s Championship play-off final win from his hospital bed.The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.
      Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton’s playoff win from hospitalCredit: TWITTER
      He had been stretchered off in the first halfCredit: Alamy
      The players paid tribute to their absent captainCredit: Getty
      But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.
      His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.
      Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.
      He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.
      READ MORE ON LUTON TOWN
      “Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”
      And fans loved the update as one wrote: “Fantastic and the most important news, wishing him well, congratulations!”
      A second said: “Great to see that Tom is doing ok. I’m absolutely buzzing for him and can’t wait to see him in the Premier League next season, amazing!”
      While a third added: “Great to see the joy. Thoughts are with the Lockyer family still, even in this moment of joy. Get well soon!”
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      Lockyer later posted the same pic to his own Instagram with a touching tribute to the medical staff and his team-mates.
      He wrote: “Well not quite where I thought I’d be celebrating at the final whistle!
      “I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at @ltfc_official and Wembley for the swift and thorough response.
      “A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
      “Commiserations to @coventrycityfcofficial a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties.
      “I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning.
      “I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It’s such an honour to be part of this team.. premier league baby.” 
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      Both teams’ medical staff attended to Lockyer after collapsing off the ball on the Wembley pitch.
      He was then given oxygen but was conscious as he was stretchered to the medical room at the Stadium.
      It was later confirmed that he was with his parents before being taken to hospital for further tests.
      As the game continued, Jordan Clark put the Hatters in the lead in the 23rd minute before Gustavo Hamer’s second half effort forced the game to extra time.
      Read More on The Sun
      Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on but his goal was ruled out for handball leading to the shootout.
      Both sides went perfectly until Coventry’s Fankaty Dabo blasted over, leading to Luton Town’s victory. More

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      Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens) – Championship play-off final LIVE RESULT: Tom Lockyer latest as Hatters promoted

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      LUTON TOWN have been promoted to the Premier League after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.Jordan Clark gave the Hatters an early lead with a stunning finish just after 20 minutes.
      But Gustavo Hamer put Coventry on level terms to take the tie into extra time.
      After eleven perfect penalties from both sides, Fankaty Dabo missed in sudden death for the Sky Blues granting promotion to Luton.

      MATCH RESULT: Coventry 1-1 Luton (5-6 PENS) – Luton (P)
      Coventry XI: Wilson, Bidwell, Doyle, McFadzean, McNally, Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Kelly, Hamer, Allen, Gyokeres
      Luton XI: Hovarth, Drameh, Osho, Lockyer, Bell, Doughty, Ruddock, Nakamba, Clark, Morris, Adebayo

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      Stay up to date with all the action from Wembley…
      ‘I’ve completed football’
      Luton legend Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu joked he has “completed football” after winning promotion to the Premier League.
      It is the fourth promotion Ruddock has achieved with Luton in their meteoric rise up the football pyramid.
      Ruddock, 29, was part of Luton’s National League championship-winning side in 2013 and has been a keystone figure ever since.
      After beating Coventry the midfielder joked he is going to retire after achieving a feat no other player has managed – promotion from every division in the EFL as well as the National League with one club.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think I’ve completed football, I think I’ll retire.
      “It’s been a journey, I’ve been through the highs and the lows but at the end of the day you’ve got to believe in yourself.
      “And here I am, a Premier League player with these boys and the fans. I told you we were going to do it. It’s going to be a party all summer in Luton.”
      Luton hero’s hilarious message
      Luton hero Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu sent an incredible message to team-mate Tom Lockyer after the defender watched promotion glory in hospital following his scary collapse at Wembley.
      Lockyer’s recovery followed initial fears from fans and players a couple of hours earlier as medics from both teams treated him on the pitch.
      And the 28-year-old’s improvement sparked relief from his squad plus a cheeky demand from Mpanzu as Luton sealed a Premier League return.
      The midfielder joked: “Get off your hospital bed and join us at the party.”
      Edwards tears
      Rob Edwards broke down in tears while speaking about Tom Lockyer’s injury during the Championship play-off final.
      Luton Town managed earn their spot in nest season’s Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties.
      However, the Hatters had to do so without the club captain after he collapsed in the first half.
      And after the game manager Edwards was visibly emotional when talking about the defender.
      He told Sky Sports: “I can’t speak highly enough of him, really pleased he is okay.”
      Lockyer celebrates
      Tom Lockyer celebrated Luton Town’s Championship play-off final win from his hospital bed.
      The club captain was stretchered off the pitch early in the first half after appearing to collapse.

      But after the Hatters won the clash by beating Coventry after a penalty shootout, Lockyer was still able to celebrate.
      His dad, Steve, shared an incredible photo from the hospital room that he was in at the moment Luton won.
      Steve then gave a positive update on his son’s health.
      He wrote: “Tom’s Dad here. Tom is ok.
      “Very happy but so sad he can’t be there with his team-mates. Here is the moment…….”
      Luton Town are Premier League
      From 30-point deductions, financial perils and four seasons in non-league, Luton Town are back in the big time.

      Are you watching, Watford?
      A penny for the thoughts of those at Vicarage Road.
      The Hornets plucked Rob Edwards from Forest Green last summer, but dispensed with him just ten games into his reign.
      Two months later, he pitched up at fierce rivals Luton and has repaid them by leading them to the promised land of the Premier League.

      Midfielder Mpanzu completes football
      An emotional Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu insists he has has completed football after winning promotion to the Premier League.
      The 29-year-old midfielder has been with Luton since their non-league days, and will now have the chance to play with them at all four levels of the professional pyramid.
      I feel like I’ve completed football. I should retire now. But I’m going to come back as a Premier League player.Pelly-Ruddock MpanzuSky Sports

      A tip of the Hat
      Luton Town have become the first club in English football history to go all the way from the top-flight to non-league and come back again.
      The club that were mixing in the National League with the likes of Tamworth, Alfreton Town, and Hayes and Yeading will now play against Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

      Fankaty Dabo misses!
      LUTON TOWN WIN PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE!
      The Coventry defender blazes high over the crossbar and into the ecstatic Luton Town fans behind the goal.
      Coventry 5-6 Luton

      Dan Potts scores!
      The Luton substitute rolls his left-footer into the bottom corner with Ben Wilson heading in the other direction.
      Coventry 5-6 Luton
      Liam Kelly scores!
      So cooly done from the Coventry captain!
      Ten perfect penalties, we go to sudden death.
      Coventry 5-5 Luton
      Luke Berry scores!
      Ben Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near the right-footed strike.
      Coventry 4-5 Luton
      Josh Eccles scores!
      Right footed! No chance, Ethan Horvath.
      Coventry 4-4 Luton
      Jordan Clark scores!
      It nestles into the side netting, neatly inside the left post.
      Coventry 3-4 Luton
      Ben Sheaf scores!
      Another fine penalty, pulled into the top left corner.
      Who will blink first?
      Coventry 3-3 Luton
      Marvelous Nakamba scores!
      Cooly done. Left footed, low, into the bottom right corner.
      Coventry 2-3 Luton
      Viktor Gyokeres scores!
      He slams it home, high and emphatically.
      Coventry 2-2 Luton
      Joe Taylor scores!
      And this one does count! Wilson goes the right way, but can’t get near it.
      Coventry 1-2 Luton
      Matt Godden scores!
      Brilliantly taken! The forward fires into the right corner.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      Carlton Morris scores!
      He sends Ben Wilson the wrong way and he cooly slots home.
      Coventry 0-1 Luton
      Spot the difference
      The two sets of players – those remaining on the pitch in any case – are being drilled by their coaches and squad mates.
      Meanwhile, the captains meet with Michael Oliver for two coin tosses.
      The first goes Luton’s way, and the kicks will be taken at the orange end of Wembley.
      The second is also won by the Hatters, and they will go first in the shootout.
      The two goalkeepers – Ben Wilson and Ethan Horvath – also get a lecture from the referee, and their actions will be closely scrutinised.
      Here we go as Carlton Morris approaches…
      Full time – Coventry 1-1 Luton
      The 2022-23 Championship play-off final will be settled by penalties.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      120. Jonathan Panzo is the luckiest person inside Wembley – and he knows it.
      There will be two minutes of additional time to be played.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      118. I doubt there have ever been so many nervous faces in the one place.
      You could cut the tension with a knife.
      Coventry 1-1 Luton
      116. LUTON HAVE WON IT!!!
      Or have they?!
      Joe Taylor dispossesses a slack Jonathan Panzo, and races through to fire through the legs of Ben Wilson.
      The orange half of Wembley erupts, but within seconds those celebrations are tempered.
      Quickly the word comes through from VAR that the young forward used his arm to control before going on to score.
      Michael Oliver signals the goal will not stand, and the Coventry fans react as if they’ve won promotion.

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      Coventry 1 Luton 1 (5-6 pens): Hatters win £170m match in dramatic fashion to reach Premier League for first time ever

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      LUTON have reached the Premier League for the first time in their history after poor Coventry sub Fankaty Dabo blinked first in a penalty shoot-out.The game had finished 1-1 after Gus Hamer’s second-half equaliser for the Sky Blues chalked off Jordan Clark’s blast.
      The moment Luton secured promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Fankaty Dabo misses the deciding penaltyCredit: PA
      Dan Potts celebrates as Dabo holds his head in his handsCredit: PA
      Jordan Clark opened the scoring for LutonCredit: Getty
      Gustavo Hamer restored parity after half-timeCredit: PA
      Joe Taylor thought he had won it late on in extra-timeCredit: Getty
      Luton thought they had won it when sub Joe Taylor netted with four minutes of extra-time to go but it was ruled out by VAR for handball.
      To penalties it went, with the first 11 takers all scoring until luckless Dabo blazed high and wide.
      The Hatters have not been in the top flight since 1992 – the year before the Prem was introduced – when they were relegated under David Pleat.
      But they hit the jackpot on a scorching hot day at Wembley, taking the £170million prize that comes with triumphing in the Championship play-off final in the most dramatic way possible.
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      They did it for the most part as well without captain Tom Lockyer, who was carried off on a stretcher inside 12 minutes after collapsing on the pitch in worrying scenes and was sent to hospital.
      The Welsh international was thankfully reported to be responsive and talking, and he would have been immensely proud of his team in his absence.
      It means the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal will all be heading next term to Kenilworth Road, a ground that was hosting non-league football a decade ago.
      The remarkable journey has not come without its setbacks, and they had a deeply concerning one here to contend with when Lockyer stumbled to the turf.
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      He received on-field medical treatment before he was taken off on a stretcher and given gas and air in the tunnel.
      The 28-year-old’s worried parents rushed down to see him in the medical room before he was taken to hospital for more tests, but thankfully was said to be responsive and talking.
      Yet Luton impressively kept their composure and deservedly took the lead with 23 minutes played.
      The goal itself was a combination of the route-one cliche of lower league football and the high-skill level that it actually often is.
      It began with a huge whack up the field from Alfie Doughty but there was nothing rudimentary about what Elijah Adebayo did with the ball when he received it.
      The Fulham academy graduate showed some clever footwork to bamboozle Kyle McFadzean before teeing up Clark who smashed home at the near post.
      Sky Blues defender Luke McNally summed up his side’s first half when he carelessly passed the ball out of play.
      Luton had the ball in the back of the net again with four minutes to the break but again it was chalked off.
      Callum Doyle tried to clear when Doughty had seen a shot blocked, but the Coventry defender’s hack away smashed into Adebayo’s hand and went in.
      To be fair to Luton’s tricky No11, he instantly fessed up and a free-kick was given.
      Coventry had to respond and Robins decided to bring on striker Matty Godden at half-time for Jamie Allen at the break.
      The sea of Sky Blue supporters cranked up the noise and they were rewarded with a terrific equaliser on 66 minutes.
      A rapid counter-attack saw Viktor Gyokeres set away down the left and the Swede had the presence of mind to cut it back for Hamer, whose first-time strike found the corner.
      Suddenly it was Coventry in the ascendancy and Godden, who had brought some much-needed urgency, had his head in his hands after blazing over.
      Robins’ men were dealt an injury blow of their own as Hamer was forced off after landing awkwardly following an aerial battle, and full-time blew with the score at 1-1.
      Coventry fans breathed a huge sigh of relief nine minutes into the first half of extra-time when Clark went down in the box as keeper Ben Wilson rushed out.
      But ref Michael Oliver deemed it a dive and promptly booked Clark, who had taken the armband from stricken Lockyer.
      Luton thought they had won it late on when Jonathan Panzo’s horror mistake let in Taylor, who found the back of the net.
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      But VAR correctly spotted Taylor had handled in the build-up and it was chalked off, sparking a huge roar from the blue half of Wembley.
      To spot-kicks it went, and every single taker was clinical until poor Dabo, the 12th taker with Luton leading 6-5, missed the target by some way. More