Sunderland beat Tranmere in EFL Trophy final at Wembley

Sunderland won at Wembley for the first time in almost 50 years as they beat Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy final.

Lynden Gooch’s second-half goal from 18 yards out secured victory for the Black Cats.

Match Report – EFL Trophy Final – Sunderland 1, Tranmere Rovers 0

Tranmere’s fourth visit to Wembley in as many years was in itself a great achievement but sadly didn’t produce the hoped for result. This was Sunderland’s first Wembley victory since beating Leeds United in the 1973 FA Cup final.

A second-half strike from Lynden Gooch denied Tranmere Rovers the opportunity to lift the EFL Trophy, with Sunderland winning 1-0.

In a tense first half, there were few chances for either side – a deflection off Sunderland defender Grant Leadbitter was Tranmere’s best chance at around the 15-minute mark.

Rovers had a great chance to go ahead early in the second half when Otis Khan beat two men in the box only to see his shot palmed away by Sunderland goalie, Burge.

Sunderland took the lead at 56 minutes as Gooch collected a through ball by McGeady to slot his shot past Scott Davies and into the net.

In response, Keith Hill brought on David Nugent and Corey Blackett-Taylor for Lloyd and Paul Lewis in the 63rd minute.

As Rovers piled on the pressure, George Ray had a shot blocked inside the area but Tranmere failed to find an equaliser.

All the best Tranmere Rovers for the rest of the season. Really hope the club gets promoted. Pushed us all the way today, should never have been relegated last season!

Max Power – Sunderland captain

Matt Hibbert’s thoughts…

Honestly thought we were the better side today, looked a really good team and played some lovely football, absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Play like that for the next 13 league games starting on Wednesday at Grimsby and we’ll give ourselves every chance.

Matt Hibbert – Presenter, This is Tranmere Podcast

Matt Hibbert, Paul Harper and Jake Keogh present the “This is Tranmere” podcast available on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts & Spotify with post-match reaction for every Tranmere game. #TRFC #SWA

These are the links to the Southend v Tranmere podcast:
Soundcloud
Apple podcasts
Spotify