Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 14.05.2025

After what was possibly the worst offside decision for decades, the teams returned to Edgeley Park. Wednesday night under the floodlights. Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient. The prize? A trip to Wembley to face an incredibly dull, but beatable, Charlton Athletic.

Dubious decisions aside, the 2-2 draw in Leyton had shown what many had suspected before the playoffs started: these were the two best teams left. Wycombe had faded dramatically since winter, while the aforementioned Charlton were solid as anything but lacking sparks. County and Orient were scoring goals for fun still and had shown form at the right time.

Anxiety was through the roof.

Kick-off: Stockport County vs. Leyton Orient, 14.05.25

In the biggest game of the season – and the biggest for twenty years – it’s not ideal to concede to the first attack of the game, really. Easy ball over the left back and Orient were 1-0 up. Their fans, amped up by the occasion, took out the advertising hoarding. County were rattled.

And that was the story of the whole first half, really. County were not rising to the occasion at all. Halftime and some magic Challinor words were needed.

Thankfully that’s what we got!

Halftime

County were now all over Orient, attacking in waves. Time was running out until Diamond shot…and Tanto, with the moment of the season, put an outrageous flick past the keeper. 1-1! Could we nick a winner? In the last few moments of the 90 minutes, Tanto found himself in on goal…

And skied it.

Almost…

Extra time then, and it was more of the same. County attacking, Orient hanging on, fancying their chances the longer it went. My 7 year old was exhausted but still gripped as the clock hit around 10:30pm. Either team could nick this with one last chance, but who would get it?

County would.

Odin Bailey would, with the last kick of the game…

Off the post.

Penalties, then, and by now you’ll know the rest. There was no glorious day out* at Wembley for County this season. An immense year ends at the penultimate hurdle.

But what a season it’s been. From Barry bangers to Tanto worldies to the whole team being, for the most part, fucking marvellous.

Roll on 2025/26!

*(There wasn’t one for Orient either – they were bored 1-0 by Charlton in the final and we’ll be seeing them again next season.)