Sunderland reached the final of the Papa John’s Trophy after a 5-3 penalty shootout against Lincoln at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats had a blow to their chances of booking a spot at the Wembley showpiece for the second time in three seasons when Anthony Scully arrived from close range after 64 minutes, though replays showed Lincoln had been misapplied for a throw-in shortly before .

But Charlie Wyke was assisted by Aiden McGeady for the fifth time in just two games 11 minutes later as he led the Republic of Ireland international’s cross to bring the tie to penalties in his contest for the 22nd goal of the season in all competitions.

Sunderland’s Max Power, Luke O’Nien and Chris Maguire left the job, as did Scully and Conor McGrandles for the Imps, although Remy Howarth sent his kick on the bar to give the hosts the advantage in the lottery.

McGeady made it 4-2 before Brennan Johnson withdrew one for the visitors, but youth fan Grant Leadbitter had a chance to send Lee Johnson’s men to Wembley and he made no mistake from 12 yards.

Sunderland will now advance to the final on Sunday March 14th where they will face Tranmere in a live game on Sky Sports Football.

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