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      Luton 2 Sunderland 0 (agg 3-2): Hatters step closer to reaching Premier League for first time after incredible comeback

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      NINE years ago Luton were in the National League — but they are now just one game away from the Premier League.The Hatters blew apart Sunderland on a memorable night at Kenilworth Road which saw fans pour on to the pitch to celebrate at the end.
      Tom Lockyer celebrates scoring his Luton’s second goalCredit: Rex
      Trailing 2-1 from their semi first leg, the Hatters turned this tie on its head with first-half headers by Gabe Osho and Tom Lockyer, both from corners.
      This was incredibly the first time Luton had won a play-off game . . . at their eighth attempt.
      The Black Cats struggled every time Luton won a corner or swung a ball into their box — and froze in the Hatters’ intimidating cauldron.
      It is incredible to think the next competitive game this old ground will host could be in the top flight.
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      This performance epitomised everything Luton have been about — showing a hunger, desire and workrate that so many teams fail to match.
      And they chewed up their opponents with two almost identical goals that will have had Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray tearing his hair out.
      First they wiped out Sunderland’s slender first-leg advantage within 10 minutes.
      Jordan Clark’s corner was fired in. Alex Pritchard got out-jumped by Tom Lockyer and the ball fell to Osho, who fired home with keeper Anthony Patterson all over the shop.
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      Boss Rob Edwards gave a fist pump before turning to the crowd and giving the fans a waving gesture to pump up the volume even louder.
      Yet the Hatters had scored first in all three of their previous games against Sunderland but had failed to win.
      And Sunderland were appealing for a penalty from a corner of their own.
      Amad Diallo’s cross fell deep to Pierre Ekwah — but as he sent the ball across goal it struck Amari’i Bell on the arm. It would have been harsh had it been given.
      Luton almost grabbed a second when Alfie Doughty found space down the left. His cross was fumbled by Patterson and Elijah Adebayo and then Carlton Morris saw their efforts cleared off the line by Luke O’Nien.
      The Hatters were causing chaos in the Sunderland backline.
      Morris saw a header saved by Patterson and then the ball eventually was worked left to Adebayor and his cross was nodded just wide by Lockyer.
      The hosts continued to pour forward. Adebayor cut the ball back to Morris, who fired wide.
      Gabriel Osho opening the scoringCredit: Reuters
      Gabriel Osho celebrates opening the scoreCredit: Getty
      And the Hatters were 2-0 up and ahead in the tie for the first time three minutes before the break.
      Doughty’s inswinging corner was headed clear but he picked it up to send in another peach of a delivery for Lockyer to nod home from eight yard.
      From the kick-off, Luton missed a sitter after a howler from Patterson.
      With the ball rolled back to his keeper, he somehow contrived to give the ball away to the Luton ace, who had time to take a couple of touches and pick his spot. But he hit it first-time horribly wide.
      It was a huge let-off for the Black Cats.
      Sunderland finally registered a shot on target when Clark cut in but his drilled shot was comfortably kept out by Ethan Horvath.
      Luton won two corners in quick succession. First Doughty’s cross was met by Clark’s header and it was cleared off the line and away for a corner — and then Osho nodded over.
      Adebayor had a great chance to add a third when he was put through but just as he was about to pull the trigger Aji Alese managed to get in a last-ditch tackle.
      Patrick Roberts tried to get things going with a solo run down the other end but he ended up shooting wastefully wide from the edge of the box.
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      Cody Drameh had a great chance to add a late third as he broke down the right after a late Sunderland attack — but he rolled the ball wide with keeper Patterson scampering back.
      Luton are going to Wembley — and whoever gets through tonight between Boro and Coventry, they will have their work cut out against this lot.
      Tom Lockyer doubling Luton’s leadCredit: Rex
      The Hatters blew apart Sunderland on a memorable night at Kenilworth RoadCredit: PA More

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      Luton 2 Sunderland 0 LIVE RESULT: Luton ONE game away from Premier League after play-off win – updates

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      LUTON have reached the Championship play-off final after overcoming Sunderland.The Hatters won 3-2 on aggregate and 2-0 at the night in front of a wild Kenilworth Road.
      They will now face Middlesbrough or Coventry in the final at Wembley on May 27.

      Result: Luton 2-0 Sunderland (3-2)
      Luton XI: Horvath, Drameh, Lockyer, Morris, Adebayo, Nakamba, Mpanzu, Clark, Bell, Osho, Doughty
      Sunderland XI: Patterson, Hume, O’Nien, Gooch, Roberts, Neil, Ekwah, Clarke, Amad, Pritchard, Gelhardt

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      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      Fans celebrate monumental victory
      If you had told the Luton fans they would be heading to Wembley for the play-off final, most would not have believed you.
      However, Rob Edwards came in as manager during the season and was able to get this side to kick on from their early season form to put them one game away from the unthinkable.
      The fans celebrated as if they had already secured promotion, it is a carnival atmosphere at Kenilworth Road.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      The Hatters are off to Wembley
      Rob Edwards’ side are one game away from Premier League football.
      They have worked so hard this season to finish third in the Championship table but more often than not, league positions mean nothing when it comes to the play-offs.
      On this occasion, Luton have kept the dream alive and will be waiting to see whether it is Middlesbrough or Coventry that they face at Wembley.
      Credit: @LutonTown
      Play off drama continues at Luton
      One thing you can guarantee from the EFL play-offs is drama and tonight was no different.
      It was a cagey start to the game as both sets of players showed passion, commitment and grit.
      Luton got the first goal and the roof came off the stadium but once they got their second goal, their fans knew the dream was on.
      They will be partying long into the night and there will be some sore heads tomorrow no doubt.
      Hatters mad for shot at promotion
      Luton Town’s fans are all on the pitch as they celebrate their first ever play off victory in EFL competition.
      They await to see who they will face in the final but they do not care as they have booked their place at Wembley.
      From the first minute to the last, you could see how much every single one of their players wanted this tonight.
      FT: Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      Unbelievable scenes at Kenilworth Road.
      You can see how much this means to these Luton fans.
      They are going to Wembley for the play-off final and after tonight’s performance, completely deserve it.

      FT: Luton 2-0 Sunderland (Agg: 3-2)
      The referee blows his whistle to bring an end to the game.
      Kenilworth Road erupts as Luton make it through to the play-off final.
      Absolute scenes.
      Luton Town are going to Wembley.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90+4. Even the goalkeeper has come up now for the corner.
      It is headed clear and Luton break with four players onto one defender.
      There is not even a keeper in the goal and he tries to do it all himself instead of squaring the ball for a certain goal.
      What a waste.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90+2. As Sunderland look to work the ball into the box, Luton put in some timely tackles to block the shots.
      Eventually hoofing the ball clear downfield.
      They know all they need to do now is to keep the visitors out.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      90. All it will take for Sunderland is to score one goal and they will take this tie to extra time.
      Michut looks to shoot from about 25 yards out but the ball goes sailing over the crossbar.
      We are going to have four minutes of added time here.
      Credit: PA
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      88. Diallo twists and turns on the edge of the Luton box.
      He steps over the ball and looks to take it passed the defender but his route to goal is blocked.
      There just seems to be no way through for the visitors.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      86. Time is starting to run out for Sunderland.
      Tony Mowbray looks like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, stood on the touchline.
      The home fans are making this a cauldron of noise in these final minutes.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      84. Morris receives the ball from a throw in and looks to feed it into the path of Adebayo.
      He drops his shoulder and cuts inside but the Sunderland defender gets an important touch to take the ball away from him.
      Immediately, Sunderland go up the other end of the pitch, searching for a goal.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      82. This game is end to end stuff now.
      Sunderland desperate to find the goal that will draw the tie level.
      Luton know, a goal now would all but put this game to bed.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      80. Tony Mowbray’s side seem tonight as if they are lacking ideas of how to break down this Luton defence.
      Eventually the ball is swept into the box but there are no attackers to get on the end of it.
      Alastair Cook is spotted in the home end cheering Luton on.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      78. Luton are camped out in their own half currently.
      Happy to absorb the Sunderland advances keeping them from having shots at goal.
      Tony Mowbray is looking to make some more changes.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      76. Sunderland have a free kick in a wide position.
      The ball is drilled in but immediately cleared.
      As Luton clear the ball upfield, there is no players there to do anything with it.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      74. Luton are standing up to the visitors as they manage to get the ball into the final third.
      Not pressing, but ensuring that Sunderland have no options to thread the ball through at all.
      Sunderland are starting to get frustrated.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      72. Morris comes charging forward down the left flank.
      Looking to beat his man and get into the penalty area.
      Sunderland get numbers over to give him no option to get the cross in.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      70. Sunderland are desperately trying to get forward themselves.
      They just cannot seem to manufacture anything in front of goal.
      Luton are getting numbers behind the ball and crowding them out.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      68. Luton’s players are getting stuck into every challenge.
      Even when Sunderland are looking to hack the ball clear, they are managing to block it and prevent them getting out of their half.
      It is looking difficult for the visitors to find the goal they need when all they are doing is defending.,
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      66. Luton win a free kick deep in Sunderland territory.
      The ball is clipped into the box but the visitors half clear the ball.
      Kenilworth Road is bouncing whenever The Hatters attack now.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      64. Luton are getting the sense that there is a chance for them to kill this game off with another goal.
      Sunderland are feeling the pressure under wave after wave of attack.
      Crosses seem to be hurting the visitors as Luton dominate in the air.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      62. Another corner is swung in by Luton and is met by the head of Adebayo but on this occasion his effort is headed off the line.
      Almost a third goal for Rob Edwards’ side.
      Important clearance for Sunderland to keep them in this tie.
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      60. Sunderland are still looking to pass the ball around.
      They have not got to the point yet where they are getting desperate.
      Luton are defending well, keeping them a long way from Horvath’s goal.
      Credit: PA
      Luton 2-0 Sunderland
      58. Alese comes on for Pritchard for Sunderland.
      Tony Mowbray looking to make something happen for the visitors.
      Luton are not sitting back by any stretch of the imagination.
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      Do away goals count in Championship play-offs?

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      THE away goals rule had for decades been the most common way to decide a two-legged tie in football.It was introduced by Uefa in 1965 and was a feature of competitions until 2021. But is the rule used in the EFL play-offs?
      Luton are in the Championship play-offsCredit: Getty
      Do away goals count in the EFL play-offs?
      Away goals do not count double in the EFL play-offs.
      The Football League did use the rule but chose to abolish it in 1999.
      This decision was made after an initiative by then-Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks.
      Sheepshanks’ Tractor Boys lost via the rule in 1997 and 1999 despite finishing higher than their opponents in the league on both occasions.
      What is the away goals rule?
      The away goals rule is the most commonly used way of deciding football matches played over two legs.
      If the scores are level after 90 minutes at home and 90 minutes away then, rather than go to penalties, the team that scored most goals in the away game goes through.
      The idea is to reward away teams who choose to play attacking football.
      Do away goals really count double?
      That expression is supposed to be the law, but it’s really more of a figure of speech.
      It simply means that away goals are the first decider for a tied two-leg match.
      If anything, it is like an extra half a goal for the team that scored more away from home.
      Which competitions use the away goals rule?
      The Champions League and the Europa League, as well as all South American competitions abolished the away goals rule in 2021.
      The League Cup did use away goals after extra time in the semi-finals but abolished the rule in 2018, with teams playing penalties after 90 minutes. More

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      Sheffield Wednesday ban fan over ‘repulsive racist message’ aimed at Darren Moore after Peterborough playoffs thumping

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      SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have slammed a disgusting racist message directed at manager Darren Moore – and swiftly banned the fan.The club revealed the 49-year-old was subjected to abuse in the wake of the Owls’ 4-0 play-off semi-final first-leg defeat to Peterborough last week.
      Sheffield Wednesday have slammed the racist abuse sent to boss Darren MooreCredit: PA
      A statement read: “Sheffield Wednesday are appalled by a repulsive racist message directed at Darren Moore posted on a social media platform following our game against Peterborough United on Friday evening.
      “We distance ourselves absolutely from this kind of abhorrent behaviour and have taken the appropriate steps by issuing an immediate ban on the individual in question from all SWFC fixtures and events.
      “Sheffield Wednesday stand shoulder to shoulder with Darren, the football family and wider society in condemning all forms of discrimination.
      “The club will offer our full support to Darren and we are working together with the authorities in ensuring this individual faces the full force of the law as a result of such a cowardly and despicable act.”
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      Moore is one of only three managers in England’s top four leagues and has previously spoken about the need for greater awareness of black heritage and culture in football.
      In an interview with SunSport, he said: “Black History Month is a time to recognise people of colour, the history of black heritage, men and women in local communities and even on a global scale.
      “It’s about how we have helped create the society we live in today, what people did long before me.
      “I can only be grateful for my peers and ancestors to open the door and give me opportunities.
      Most read in Championship
      “We all have a part to play. There is so much to learn from each other’s cultures — it’s about being open and embracing it.
      “Let’s promote equality between us and a genuine interest, irrespective of nationality.”
      He added: “It is set aside for one month in the year. But every day is Black History Month.
      “It doesn’t have to be, ‘Oh it’s Black History Month, we should consider it just for one month’.
      “Christmas is celebrated at one time. This is just not that. This is on a day-to-day basis.” More

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      Luton vs Sunderland: Black Cats eye place at Wembley as Hatters look to get back in the tie – stream, TV, team news

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      SUNDERLAND beat Luton 2-1 in the first leg of their Championship Play-Off semi-final.The Black Cats fell behind early on after Elijah Adebayo netted to give the Hatters the lead.
      Amad Diallo scored Sunderland’s equaliser against LutonCredit: GETTY
      Trai Hume scored the winner in the first-legCredit: Reuters
      Rob Edwards’ side lead was short-lived, as Amad Diallo struck just before half-time to equalise.
      21-year-old Trai Hume scored the winner at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland eye consecutive promotions.
      The Black Cats were promoted from League One last season courtesy of a Play-Off final victory over Wycombe.
      When is Luton vs Sunderland?

      Luton vs Sunderland will take place on Tuesday, May 16th.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      Kenilworth Road will play host.

      What channel is Luton vs Sunderland on and can it be live streamed?

      Luton vs Sunderland will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
      Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all of the action from Kenilworth Road.

      Team news
      Rob Edwards will be hoping midfielder Alife Doughty will recover in time to feature on Tuesday night after being forced off with cramp late on at the Stadium of Light.
      Sunderland have several injury concerns as they head into the Play-Off semi-final second leg.
      Dennis Cirkin missed Saturday’s first leg with an ankle injury and will remain sidelined for tomorrow’s game.
      Most read in Championship
      Tony Mowbray will be hoping that injuries to both key men Alex Pritchard and Patrick Roberts aren’t serious.
      The integral duo were forced off late on in the first leg and are both doubts for Tuesday night.
      Elliot Embleton, Ross Stewart, Corry Evans, Danny Batth and Aji Alese will all remain unavailable.
      Odds
      Match result

      Luton – 21/20
      Draw – 9/4
      Sunderland – 27/10

      To qualify

      Luton – 6/4
      Sunderland – 1/2

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Former Tottenham starlet who Pochettino handed Premier League debut left unemployed at 26 after being released by club

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      FORMER Tottenham midfielder Luke Amos has been released by QPR following the expiration of his contract.The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Championship outfit in 2020.
      Luke Amos has been released by Championship side QPRCredit: Rex
      The midfielder has suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuriesCredit: Getty
      He has gone on to rack up 95 appearances for the club – including 21 this season.
      But he has not penned a new deal and has now been confirmed as one of six players released by the second-tier side.
      Leon Balogun, Olamide Shodipo, Conor Masterson, Charlie Owens and Ody Alfa have also departed Loftus Road.
      Amos came through Spurs’ academy and was first included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Liverpool in October 2016.
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      He then had to wait two years for his Tottenham debut.
      It eventually came when Pochettino sent him on in the 88th minute of a 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park in August 2018.
      The following month he signed a new deal to keep him in North London until 2021.
      But four weeks later he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a reserve team match.
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      Once he had gone through a lengthy recovery process, he was loaned out to QPR in the summer of 2019.
      He made 34 league appearances for the club during his season-long loan spell.
      And that convinced the club to sign him on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
      But just two months after agreeing a deal with QPR, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time.
      He returned in 2021 and racked up more than 50 games over the course of the next two campaigns.
      But now he is searching for a new club less than three months after his 26th birthday. More

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      Jude Bellingham’s brother Jobe spotted at Sunderland’s play-off win over Luton as 17-year-old prodigy nears transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’S brother Jobe was spotted at Sunderland’s play-off first-leg win over Luton ahead of a summer move. The Birmingham City prodigy, 17, travelled to the Stadium of Light and could be playing in the Premier League next season after the Black Cats’ 2-1 win put them in pole position to reach Wembley.  
      Fans believe they spotted Jobe Bellingham outside Sunderland’s groundCredit: Twitter
      Jobe Bellingham could leave Birmingham this summerCredit: Alamy
      Jobe, the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund and England superstar Jude, made 23 appearances in his breakthrough campaign at St Andrew’s.
      But he now looks set to join his sibling in leaving their boyhood club aged 17 after just one full season. 
      Jobe has been linked with a move away and his relationship with Sunderland executive Kristjaan Speakman and coach Mike Dodds could seal the deal.
      They both played integral roles in his development at Birmingham, potentially proving the clincher. 
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      The hot prospect is also a central midfielder like his brother and made his senior debut aged 16 years and 107 days. 
      Jobe was 69 days older than Jude was when he first burst onto the scene for the Midlands-based side.
      Bellingham Jnr’s team-mate Troy Deeney is convinced he can be as good as Jude after hitting the gym this season.
      He told Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast: “He’s put on 10 kilos this year, he’s going to be an absolute monster just like his brother is.
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      “He is going to be unbelievably talented, you can’t deny that, but it is just going to take him a year or two longer than his brother. He’s in that shadow isn’t he? Wonderful kid, wonderful family.”
      Birmingham pocketed £25million after selling Jude back in 2020 and it is unclear how much they would be getting for the next member of the Bellingham family.
      Meanwhile, Jude could be in line for a huge summer transfer himself with Real Madrid reportedly leading the way.
      The LaLiga giants have supposedly offered the player a £12million-a-year deal.
      However, Dortmund and Real Madrid are yet to agree a fee and they want £124million.
      Manchester United and Manchester City are also in the race to sign him.
      Jude Bellingham could see his brother follow in his footstepsCredit: Getty More

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      Fans beg Amad Diallo to ‘save Man Utd from the shackles of Antony’ after free-kick screamer in playoffs for Sunderland

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans went into meltdown following Amad Diallo’s latest Sunderland screamer.The on-loan Red Devil has been the main man at the Stadium of Light this season – bagging 13 goals in 40 Championship appearances.

      Amad Diallo bagged a stunning equaliser in the first leg of Sunderland’s Championship play-off semi-final tie with LutonCredit: REX
      Diallo’s stunning free kick left Manchester United fans purringCredit: REX
      But he bagged the best of the bunch in the first leg of the Black Cats’ play-off semi-final tie with Luton on Saturday evening.
      The 20-year-old fired a stunning left-footed free kick past Ethan Horvath from 30 yards to draw the home side level and blow the roof of the Stadium Light.
      It didn’t take long for United fans to get wind of the wondergoal, which they raved about on Twitter.
      One tweeted: “What a talent Ten Hag has on his hands with Amad Diallo.”
      Another said: “Amad Diallo cooking in the playoffs.”
      One United fan even claimed the Ivorian would “save” them from Antony’s woeful displays.
      They tweeted: “Amad Diallo will save Man United from the shackles of Antony Santos.”
      Another said: “Amad Diallo and Lacey coming through?
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      “Antony’s career at United might be done.”
      United boss Erik ten Hag has been keeping tabs on Diallo’s progress at the Stadium of Light and has been thoroughly impressed by what he’s seen.
      And he’s not ruled out the prospect of bringing him into the fold next season.
      The Dutchman said: “We loan such players to make development and progress to bring them back.
      “That is the aim of the loan.
      Amad Diallo has been Sunderland’s star man this seasonCredit: REX
      “They are really strong, we mentor them, we follow them, we have communication over the season.
      “Especially Darren Fletcher, who invests a lot in such a process.
      “The aim is to bring them back as a better player with experience.”
      A second-half strike from Trai Hume saw Sunderland run out 2-1 winners in teh first leg of their semi-final tie.
      The second leg of the tie takes place Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
      Read More on The Sun
      United, meanwhile, will travel to the Vitality Stadium next Saturday to take on Bournemouth. More