After an end-to-end match, Stockport County Ladies lost the Cheshire County Cup final to Tranmere Rovers Women, after a 5-6 loss on penalties following a 1-1 draw. 

The game was certainly close; even beforehand, Tranmere manager Sam Irvine anticipated a "tough test". 

County managed to take the lead early on, with Maria Figueiredo scoring from a third minute penalty given for a handball. 

The Hatters kept up the pressure, but were unable to break down the staunch Tranmere defence to add to the lead. 

A similarly strong County defence thwarted pacy attempts from Rovers. 

Stockport came incredibly close again with a clear chance from Figueiredo, which was tipped away by Tranmere keeper Katy Maddock. 

It looked like the game would end 1-0 for County, until a Rovers corner in extra time set up a header for Izzie Arrowsmith which was directed into the back of the net. 

The final whistle blew moments later, and the game went to penalties.  

Scoring was level until Izzie Haileh's goal piled up the pressure before County's shot, which unfortunately went wide. 

Thus, in a repeat of 2022, Rovers defeated County to triumph in the Cheshire County Cup. 

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