Stockport County will face Carlisle at Wembley on Sunday 28 May in the League Two play-off final. 

A victory would mean promotion to League One, a remarkable achievement given that the Hatters were promoted from the National League only last season.  

County earned their spot after a hair-raising win over Salford at Edgeley Park on Saturday. A frenetic 120 minute match, characterised by relentless energy from the Hatters, ended 2-2 on aggregate.  

In the end, the game was won by the hosts 3-1 on penalties, thanks to an incredible performance from keeper Hinchliffe and goals from Madden, Collar, and Sarcevic.

Carlisle themselves had a similarly exciting match; the win was secured with a goal in extra time by Ben Barclay, himself on loan from County. 

It is all to play for, then, as both sides head into the fixture with the momentum of excitement and a fairly level record this season - County just edged Carlisle by three points in the table.

County fans spoke to Stockport Nub News to share their hopes, memories, and thoughts in advance of the match this weekend. 

David Shackley spoke of the club's remarkable climb in the past two years: "[It] shows how far the club has come - 12 months ago we were playing non-league football, now we are playing for a place in League One.

"Whatever happens on Sunday, the whole town should be proud of what the club has achieved in such a short time."

David has seen County play at Wembley five times - most recently was the win against Rochdale at the new stadium.

On the other hand, some fans will be experiencing Wembley for the first time. 

Anna Louise said: "Had a chat today with a 15 year-old girl I teach who is very excited about going to Wembley for the first time."

Anna adds that she herself first went to Wembley about the same age, and that 'Sunday can't come soon enough!'. 

Similarly, Josh Greenbank said: "My eight year-old is absolutely buzzing that the last game of his first season as season ticket holder is the play off final!"

He adds: "If the second leg of the semis is anything to go off, it's going to be an awesome game [...] I just hope we get the east stand of Wembley as bouncing as the Cheadle End was on Saturday!"

An exciting time for young fans, it comes after years of hardship for older fans. 

As Graham Williams said: "I never thought I would ever see County back in the Football League, never mind playing at Wembley in a play-off final."

At Tuesday's council meeting, attendees expressed similar feelings. Council leader Cllr Mark Hunter - recently re-elected - emphasised wishes of good luck, as did Labour leader Cllr David Meller. 

On Twitter, Cllr Matt Wynne of the Edgeley Community Association said: "Absolutely class. To Wembley we go. Que sera sera."

Generally, then, fans seem to be feeling pride above all else. Whether County win or lose on Sunday, this season remains a remarkable achievement; fans are optimistic and excited for the final, but whatever happens they will no doubt remain proud.

Wembley Stadium image by D.J.H Photography, licensed under  Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic

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