It was heartbreak for Stockport County supporters as their team missed out on promotion in the cruellest of fashions.
More than 15,000 County fans made the trip to London to watch their team take on Carlisle United in the League Two play-off final today. Others packed into pubs across Stockport to cheer on their team.
At the Prince Albert in Edgeley, fans of all ages gathered to watch the big match on the pub's television screens. Following a nerve-shredding penalty shootout victory over Salford City in the semi final, hopes were high that Stockport could secure a second consecutive promotion.
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It was the Hatters who threatened first at a sun-drenched Wembley when captain Paddy Madden’s header looped onto the roof of the net. Stockport, featuring two changes from their semi-final second-leg triumph, bossed the possession in the opening 23 minutes, but neither side managed to create anything further in front of goal.
It was Stockport who made the breakthrough – courtesy of a large slice of fortune – in the 34th minute. Isaac Olaofe's cross deflected off the boot of Carlisle's Jon Mellish before looping over keeper Tomas Holy and finding the far corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations in the Stockport half of the stadium, as well as in the pubs of Edgeley.
The opening ten minutes of the second half were cagey, but Stockport fluffed a terrific chance to score again shortly before the hour mark. Akil Wright darted in unopposed to meet Chris Hussey’s cross, only to somehow head wide from eight yards.
County substitute Myles Hippolyte then went close with an acrobatic scissor kick as his side continued their search for a potentially victory-clinching second goal.
Dave Challinor's men were made to rue the misses as Carlisle substitute Omari Patrick drilled home an 84th-minute equaliser. The goal denied County victory in normal time and was met by a chorus of groans from punters in the Prince Albert.
As the game went into extra time, the tension almost proved too much for some.
"I'm shaking like a leaf," said lifelong Stockport fan Jean Pendlebury, 87. "I can't stand the pressure."
Others were more relaxed, however,. County fan Norman Cuss couldn't make it to Wembley but has watched his team play there on several occasions over the years.
"I've seen it all before over the last 60 years," he said. “I think we'll beat them in extra time."
But extra time came and went, leaving the two teams locked at 1-1 and facing the prospect of penalties. There were cheers as Stockport scored their first spot kick, but the mood soon turned to despair as Ryan Rydel's penalty was saved.
That would prove to be the deciding moment as Carlisle held their nerve to convert all five penalties and secure promotion to League One.
As the jubilant Cumbrians celebrated on the Wembley turf, fans turned their backs on the TV screens and filtered out of the pub and into the streets of Stockport.
"It's disappointing," said County fan Jamie Mallard. "There were chances to secure the win.
"I feel gutted, absolutely devastated. For the past two weeks, I've thought we were going to do it but they just didn't turn up on the day.
"We've got a good team so I'm optimistic for next year."
County now face another season in League Two but will be proud of their efforts in their first season back in the EFL.
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