Football | Stockport County lose against Leyton Orient on penalties

Heartbreak for Stockport as Orient edge tense semi-final on penalties

Stockport County’s hopes of reaching the League One play-off final were dashed in agonising fashion as they lost out to Leyton Orient in a dramatic penalty shootout at a packed and passionate Edgeley Park.

Author - Mark Lee

After a controversial and tightly contested first leg ended level, the return fixture proved just as tense. Neither side could find a winner over 120 minutes of breathless football, with Orient eventually holding their nerve from the spot.

It was Ethan Galbraith who delivered the decisive blow, slotting home the winning penalty after Stockport’s Jack Diamond saw his effort saved and Ryan Rydel struck the post.

The match began at a furious pace. The visitors struck early, silencing the home crowd just two and a half minutes in when Ollie O’Neill volleyed in at the near post following a deftly delivered free-kick from Galbraith.

Orient looked the more composed side in the early exchanges, but Stockport soon began to assert themselves. Fraser Horsfall, ever a threat in the air, rose to meet a corner and rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from close range.

The centre-half was at the heart of much of County’s attacking threat and went close again with a glancing header that drifted just wide.

Despite Stockport’s growing dominance, Orient came close to extending their lead before the break when Charlie Kelman’s header struck the underside of the bar and bounced out.

Stockport emerged from the interval with renewed urgency and found their reward with just over a quarter of an hour left. A sharp low effort from Diamond was deftly flicked into the far corner by Tanto Olaofe, sending Edgeley Park into raptures and the tie into extra time.

County looked the more likely to grab a winner as Horsfall again tested Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley, who stood firm. Then, with virtually the final kick, Odin Bailey nearly sent the hosts to Wembley with a composed finish that beat the keeper but not the post.

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Ultimately, the match was settled from 12 yards. While Stockport missed twice, Orient converted all four of their penalties to book their place in the final at Wembley, where they will meet either Charlton or Wycombe on 25 May with promotion to the Championship on the line.

For Stockport, it was a cruel end to a spirited campaign and a night that will linger long in the memory.

Stockport fans proud of their efforts this season

Samuel Turner, a Stockport season ticket holder, said: "Heartbroken. We deserved to win that, but I'm proud of them." 

 This was a view shared by Sarah Helen, who added: "Already looking forward to next season. I can see us winning the title if we keep this group of players together."