Dillon Phillips and Naby Sarr were involved in a farcical own goal in the League One play-off final as Charlton handed Sunderland an early lead in the first half at Wembley.
They say pressure does funny things to people and there's no greater pressure than a play-off final at Wembley. Those funny things had a lot to say for Sunderland's opener against Charlton on Sunday afternoon.
It's 21 years since the two clubs met in a play off final when the two sides couldn't be separated in 120 minutes of football that finished 4-4 and had to be decided by penalties.
In the past two decades the two sides have both had lengthy spells in the Premier League before dropping down into the third tier in recent times.
Advert
After Charlton beat Doncaster in this year's play off semis and Sunderland got past Portsmouth it was down to the two old foes to meet at Wembley.
Things did not start well at all for the Addicks as defender Naby Sarr attempted a pass back to keeper Dillon Phillips after just four minutes but the goalie completely missed it and the ball rolled into the net to hand Sunderland the lead:
Lee Bowyer's face says it all. There's no doubt both managers would have told their players to keep things tight and not make any silly mistakes early in the game.
Advert
Sarr and Dillon were under no pressure to make things even worse but fortunately before half time the South London side were level.
Things got even better for Charlton as defender Patrick Bauer scored a 94th minute winner deep in injury time to take them back into the Championship.
Advert
Dillon Phillips will certainly be a relieved man.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Own goal, Football News, Sunderland, Charlton Athletic, English Football, League One, Wembley, championship
