Stockport County narrowly missed promotion to League One following a defeat at Wembley on Sunday (28 May).  

County took the lead in the first half, as a strike from Isaac Olaofe took a deflection off defender Jon Mellish. 

County held on to the lead until the 83rd minute, when a goal from Carlisle's Omari Patrick made it 1-1.  

The match rolled on into extra time. At 120 minutes with the game still level, the game went to penalties.  

Carlisle won on penalties 5-4, securing promotion to League One and ending their nine-year stint in the fourth tier. 

As difficult as the defeat is to take, County fans nonetheless remain proud and optimistic. As one fan, 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."

David Shackley, another fan, similarly said: "The whole town should be proud of what the club has achieved in such a short time."

A statement from Stockport County FC on Twitter said: "We will be back stronger." 

Certainly, the sense of momentum County has does not seem to be dented by this recent defeat.

The Hatters are still hot off the heels of a promotion last year, having blazed up the table to fourth place. 

The team have already exceeded expectations, then, and are in a good position for another strong season in 2023/24. A number of Carlisle fans even suggested County were in line for automatic promotion next time around.  

A general consensus is that Carlisle were dominant in the second half and earned their win, but nonetheless the fight and spirit of the Hatters is still very much intact.  

Perhaps more clinical finishing is what County needs next year to go the extra mile.

Still, with spirits remaining high, the heartbreak will heal as the Hatters come back for next season. 

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