Stockport snatched a dramatic last-minute winner in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final after a defensive lapse by Stevenage.
The match at Lamex Stadium looked like it was headed for a goalless draw, but Ben Osborne scored a goal in stoppage time, making it 1-0.
It might have been 6th vs. 3rd for a tie, but due to the nature of the league standings, the difference was only two points. And that was reflected in the close matches.
Stockport are in a good position to reach Wembley with the second leg at Edgeley Park to be broadcast on Sky Sports.
Stevenage’s defensive nightmare puts Stockport in favor of Edgeley
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Stockport County scored a valuable late goal against Stevenage, a goal that is sure to win them an end-of-season award!
After going scoreless in two Championship first legs in this year’s play-offs, it looked like they were heading into the next leg in League One after a relatively tough 90 minutes.
And that pretty much summed up what we saw all afternoon when substitute Benony Andresson lost his footing, slipped and fell in stoppage time when it looked like they might have a chance to storm home.
However, Osborn’s continued escape was a great achievement. And he took advantage of the chaos in Stevenage’s backline that allowed him to pounce on an unlikely winner.
Stockport manager Dave Challinor told Sky Sports: “It was probably one of the ugliest goals in the play-offs so far, but it was worth it in terms of leveling the score and putting us ahead.”
“We know what the playoffs bring. Credit to Ben (Osborne) for following up the play 90-odd minutes later and getting lucky. He taught us to never give up on anything.”
“We are in a decent position, but we still have everything left to play. Now we have to perform again on Wednesday night.”
Level: Delaying the goal doesn’t actually change anything.
Stevenage manager Alex Revell talks about Sky Sports Football:
“It’s frustrating. We probably could have handled the situation better. They scored a goal, but nothing really changes.
“We know we have to go to them and get the win. We had to do it to make the playoffs and we have to do it again.
“They’re going to be disappointed now because they want to win. It’s up to us to pick them up, get them ready, go to Stockport and give a really good account of ourselves.”
“We had a little bit of time in the second half and we can look back on it and figure out how to move on and beat them.”
‘Disastrous’ moment gives Stockport huge advantage
Former EFL defender Luke Chambers talks about Sky Sports Football:
“It was a disaster at Stevenage, probably consistent with the quality of the game.
“It was a game that I really enjoyed seeing a quality game, but there were some pretty sloppy parts leading up to that goal.
“This will give Stockport an advantage. It’s a big bonus. They performed really well away in the draw in the first leg, which is always what you want.”
“Challinor said he just wants to play in the second leg. They have a huge advantage of being at home going into the game.”
