S3 E38: Wembley: Pens, Pain and Pride
Lorna Bailey and the Fancasters meet outside Wembley after the cruellest of defeats.
Under a cloudless sky, thousands of travelling Coventry City fans made the journey to Wembley to back their team on a quest to make it to the riches of the Premier League in the Championship Playoff Final.
Saturday May 27th, and to the beat of Lynden's Drum, The Sky Blue army made a huge noise outside and inside of the National Stadium.
But it wasn't to be as they endured the heartbreak and the nausea of the torment of defeat in a penalty shootout.
In this week's Wembley episode of the Sky Blues Fancast, Lorna Bailey met up with fans in the shadow of the stadium to share their pain at the loss to Luton in a match with a fairy tale ending for the Hatters. A fairy tale ending which we'd thought was meant for us. Alex, Sam, Ashley and Argentinian fan, Lauti, got together to talk about the rollercoaster match that mirrored all the highs and lows of an incredible season. Lauti also gives us his thoughts on his time at Wembley and the warm welcome he's had by the Sky Blue Army.
The noise from both fans was deafening but a silence fell over Wembley after just eight minutes when Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch before being taken to hospital.
Luton dominated the first half, and were 1-0 ahead at half time in front of more than 87,000 fans after a poor first half from Mark Robins' team.
A much improved second half saw Gustavo Hamer equalise, sending the Coventry sections of Wembley into delirium. With the teams level at the full time whistle it went to extra time. Then came a VAR decision with just minutes left on the clock - which meant a goal for Luton was disallowed for an infringement. Coventry fans celebrated again as it still wasn't off!
The pain of a penalty shootout awaited. Could the Fancasters bear to watch as their team of heroes stood up to take the spot kicks in front of the Luton Fans. Advantage the Hatters.
And after 11 successful penalties, the match was decided in the cruellest fashion by Fankaty Dabo's miss.
On this week's episode there is the pain of that cruellest of defeats. You'll hear from manager Mark Robins, Captain Liam Kelly, and the fans. There is also the love and pride for the team and the remarkable journey they've been on, as well as positivity for the future.
Once the tears subside there will be time to reflect on a remarkable revival that brought Mark Robins' team to within touching distance of a return to English football's top division after an absence of 22 years.
See you in the Championship next season. PUSB
