Sunderland installed as favourites for Trophy
Sunderland have been installed as early favourites to win the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley.
Lee Johnson’s side played out a 1-1 draw in their semifinal match against Lincoln City at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
The tie was decided via a penalty shootout, with local lad Grant Leadbitter converting his side's fifth spot-kick and sending Sunderland to Wembley.
The Black Cats will meet Tranmere Rovers in the final on Mother’s Day, with the fixture scheduled for Sunday, March 14.
Sunderland haven't won at Wembley since the famous FA Cup win over Leeds United in 1973.
Indeed, the North East club have tasted defeat in finals at Wembley a whopping seven times since Bob Stokoe’s iconic sprint onto the turf almost 48 years ago.
And Black Cats supporters will not have forgotten the penalty defeat to Portsmouth in the final of the Trophy just two seasons ago.
That heartbreak was accompanied by another the following May, as Sunderland lost to Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final, Patrick Bauer with a 94th-minute winner.
Despite the Wembley hoodoo, however, the bookies have installed Sunderland as favourites to defeat Tranmere.
Bet365, SkyBet and BetVictor have the Black Cats as 8/11 on to win the final, with Betfair and Paddy Power offering odds of 4/6.
A draw after 90 minutes is priced at 5/2 by all of the outlets offering a market on the clash. On a Tranmere win, punters can get longer odds of 10/3, 18/5, 17/5 and 7/2.
LEE BURGE
Didn’t have a great deal to do but strong when called into action, with one fine save to deny Smith. 7
CONOR MCLAUGHLIN
A very accomplished showing. Won key covering challenges and was rarely beaten either in the air or on the floor. 7
DION SANDERSON
Had a real challenge up against Akins and despite losing one or two headers, battled through really well as the leader of an inexperienced defence. 7
LUKE O’NIEN
A terrific display. Defended well and relieved pressure when needed by carrying the ball out from the back with quality. 8
LYNDEN GOOCH
Produced an excellent firsthalf showing, driving into space and attacking his fullback with relish. His goal was one of simply superb quality. 8
MAX POWER
Different class in midfield. Led his side well, battled, moved the ball quickly and was a vocal presence when his side wobbled ever so briefly in the second half. 8
GRANT LEADBITTER
Other than one loose pass it is hard to think of a moment where the midfielder erred. Tidied up well, distributed the ball with quality and scored a quite superb first goal from range. An excellent display. 8
JAKE VOKINS
Did well in the first half but Smith increasingly got on top in the second, leading to a substitution. Got forward at times and went close with a header. 6
AIDEN O’BRIEN
Didn’t get the goal his industry deserved. Linked up well and was a constant outlet in running the channels. 7
AIDEN MCGEADY
Good early free-kick found Leadbitter, increasing his assist tally further. Grafted to support Vokins in a less eyecatching but equally important display. 7
CHARLIE WYKE
It said everything about his form that there was widespread surprise when he struck the post late on, but just moments later he made no mistake with a fine first-time finish. 8
Subs
JORDAN JONES 7
CARL WINCHESTER 6
JOSH SCOWEN 6
JACK DIAMOND 6