Stockport booked their place at Wembley for the League Two playoff final after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout win against local rivals Salford.
County triumphed on spot-kicks at Edgeley Park after the semi-final tie ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time. The Stockport goalkeeper, Ben Hinchliffe, was the late hero as he saved penalties from Adrian Mariappa and Stevie Mallan to send the home fans wild.
The hosts remain on track for back-to-back promotions, while Salford’s bid to seal a fifth promotion in nine seasons is over.
Under summery sunshine at a packed-out stadium, it was Salford who threatened first. Captain Ibou Touray flung over a rather hopeful cross for Matt Smith, but the first leg’s match-winner’s header was comfortably saved by Hinchliffe.