Sunderland fight back to beat Luton Town in first leg of Championship playoff semi-final

Sunderland have established a narrow lead over Luton Town in their Championship playoff semi-final by prevailing from the first leg with a 2-1 victory.

Elijah Adebayo had given the visitors an early lead but Amad Diallo and Trai Hume struck either side of half time to deliver a potentially-decisive win at the Stadium of Light.

Luton have been able to think about the playoffs for a number of weeks, but they were still able to make a rapid start to proceedings as they took the lead in the 11th minute.

The Hatters' superior threat in the air proved crucial as they got the better of a set piece, eventually enabling Elijah Adebayo to convert from close range.

Sunderland were second best throughout the opening 45 minutes, yet that ultimately mattered little as a moment of brilliance from Amad Diallo brought them back on level terms.

"Just an outrageous strike!" 🤯

Those replays and that reaction from Tony Mowbray 😅 pic.twitter.com/NfOveD9Xts

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 13, 2023

After the home side won a free kick on the edge of the area, the Manchester United loanee stepped up to whip a sensational effort into the far top corner from 25 yards out.

While half time came at the right time for Luton, Sunderland had the upper hand after the break and completed the turnaround shortly after the hour mark.

A corner was worked to Jack Clarke who was able to whip a cross into the box, teeing up Trai Hume to power a header into the bottom corner.

The expected response from Luton did not materialise, Rob Edwards's side having to find a balance between chasing a leveller and avoiding going further behind, and both he and Tony Mowbray will be content with the scoreline at the halfway point given the manner of Saturday's encounter in the North East.