Stockport County triumphed over Salford on Saturday (20 May) in a remarkable second leg comeback, beating the Ammies 3-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on aggregate.  

The Hatters came to the second leg of the play-offs at Edgeley Park at a disadvantage, following a 1-0 defeat last week at the Peninsula Stadium.   

But with roaring fans and a fighting spirit, County completed a hair-raising comeback to secure their tickets to Wembley and the play-off final.  

The action was fierce in the first half. Salford came close with an attempt from Smith, which was blocked by Hinchliffe; one of a number of saves made by the keeper in an outstanding performance throughout the game.  

At the other end of the field, County came close in the final minutes of the first half with what looked like a goal from Paddy Madden -in fact, the ball was deflected off the line. 

Seconds after the whistle-blew for the second half, Luke Bolton found the end of a cross to put him one on one with Hinchliffe. His shot was blocked in another fantastic save by the keeper.

It was at 68 minutes that the Hatters got the all-important equaliser, as a cross from Ryan Rydel was headed home by Isaac Olaofe. 

1-1 on aggregate, the game went to extra time. In the 21st minute, a long-range shot from Salford's Stevie Mallan took a deflection from a County defender, sending the ball of course, past Hinchliffe and into the back of the net.  

The dismay of the home fans did not last long, though, as three minutes later Jack Stretton landed a header from close range. 

Now 2-2, the game went to penalties, where an immense performance from Hinchliffe - stopping two Salford Penalties - along with goals from Madden, Collar, and Sarcevic, secured the victory.  

After the match, Madden described it as 'a mad game', and said his team 'showed real character'.  

County manager David Challinor said: "That game had everything, but nothing surprises me in football. It was an occasion full of emotion, and I'm so delighted for the players that we've made it to Wembley.

"It's a great way to win and a horrible way to lose, but we've made it and I want the players and everyone involved with the club to go and enjoy next weekend.

"We've taken a big, big step today, but we've got one more big step to take if we are to achieve our ambition.

"I thought the players kept their nerve really well today. It's not been easy as Salford are a great team, but this is a brilliant achievement for the whole club, so it's about preparing properly for next weekend now."

Meanwhile, Salford boss Neil Wood said: "It was a really tough game, but credit to Stockport, they put a lot of pressure on us. It was relentless at times, and it is difficult to defend against.

"We created enough chances, I thought, but maybe we needed a bit more composure in certain situations. It's hugely disappointing of course, but at the end of the day it just wasn't to be. I can't fault any of the players."

County will face Carlisle at Wembley, a strong club which the Hatters have numerous ties with. County's extra time header was scored by Jack Stretton, himself a signing from Carlisle. 

In their own play-off leg, Carlisle's winner was scored by County loan player Ben Barclay. 

Even more glaringly, Carlisle's manager Paul Simpson is an ex-County manager.  

With such close ties and facing a strong side, Wembley is set for a final to be remembered.

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