Stockport Georgians secured their place in the Edward Case Cup semi-finals on Saturday, with a stoppage-time winner from Ollie McFadyen being just enough to separate the two sides.

Maghull, who currently sit mid-table in the North West Counties First Division North, were tough opponents for the side from Woodsmoor, but Georgians just about did enough to proceed. Match report below.

Cup football hit the DT Hughes Community Stadium on Saturday, 31 January, as Maghull faced off against Stockport Georgians in the quarter-final of the Edward Case Cup. Maghull, who currently sit 9th in a very tight league, were always going to be tough opponents for the travelling side, but very few would have predicted the final scoreline on this damp afternoon in Liverpool.

New signing Ollie Hitchcox slotted straight into the centre of the backline for Georgians, with Aiden Dwyer also getting his first start in a while after a disrupted season caused by a combination of injuries and suspensions.

The game was open from the first whistle, with lots of free-flowing football from both teams, but Georgians likely had the better time of it throughout, despite the scoreline not always suggesting it. Disaster struck early when Stockport Georgians captain Paul Connor landed awkwardly, forcing Georgians into an early substitution, with Tom O'Brien taking his place at right back. Shortly after the change, the hosts took the lead.

With just over half an hour played, Georgians wasted possession in midfield, allowing Maghull to break, where a defensive mix-up left Nathan Moffitt through on goal to dink over the onrushing Morgan Piper.

Despite the visitor's constant teasing an equaliser, including a penalty shout harshly dismissed, Maghull had their second just under 10 minutes after the opener. A corner was cleared only as far as Maghull number 10 Sam Smith, who fired through bodies to double the host's advantage.

It didn't take long for Georgians to get back into the game, though, and the affair was eventually level at half-time. The first of a quick Georgians reply came from Harry Lynn, as he turned an Aiden Dwyer cross in off the post.

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Four minutes later, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Georgians got another, and the game was back level. Skilful winger Ollie McFadyen did exceptionally down the left-hand side, beating his man before firing towards the near post, where the Maghull goalkeeper was unable to keep it out.

As the referee's whistle signalled the half-time interval, all in attendance could finally relax after a hectic first 45 minutes. Two each at the break meant it was all still to play for, and an even crazier second half ensued.

Georgians couldn't keep the hosts out for long after the second half commenced, and the hosts had recaptured the lead after just three minutes had been played. A corner was cleared before being sent back into the box, where an unmarked Moffitt got his second of the game with a simple finish.

Georgians goalkeeper Morgan Piper was called upon a few times following Maghull's third and was equal to all efforts until the hosts scored again in the 61st minute. Another corner caused the visitors issues, with the cross being poorly dealt with before dropping to Jacob Till, who extended Maghull's advantage to two once again.

The fourth brought Georgians back to life, and, with the help of two good substitutes in Freddie Walker and Josh Winthrop, they managed to claw a goal back with just under 25 minutes of normal time remaining. Harry Lambert played a lovely, lofted ball through to McFadyen, who made no mistake with his finish into the bottom bag.

Both teams had chances following the seventh goal of the game, but the next action went in favour of the visitors. In-form attacker Joe Collins broke down the right, and a marauding Tom O'Brien found himself in the box to turn Joe's oncoming cross home. All level in the final 10 of normal time.

Now into stoppage time, both teams were fighting to get something from the game as a penalty shootout loomed. A reckless challenge in the 94th minute saw a Maghull attacker clatter into Morgan Piper, who then needed treatment for a gash in his leg, which later required stitches.

The winner came in the dying embers of the game, with just over 97 minutes on the clock. Georgians midfielder Kyle Wych played an inch-perfect ball over to Joe Collins, who squared to McFadyen, where the ball was turned into the net, much to the delight of the travelling squad and fans.

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Stockport Georgians assistant manager Paul Beresford was brought on to shore up the backline in the closing minutes, and the travelling side did just enough to secure their place in the semi-final of the Edward Case Cup. Drama from start to finish, a brilliant game that was nicked at the death by the visitors.

FT: 4-5

MOM: Ollie McFadyen

Att: 159