Ben Osborn Wins It Late as Stockport County Beat Stevenage 1-0

stockport county take a one-goal lead into Wednesday’s second leg after Ben Osborn scored in the 94th minute to beat Stevenage 1-0 at the Lamex Stadium. That leaves Dave Challinor’s side with a narrow edge to protect at Edgeley Park on 13th May.

Osborn Settles The First Leg

The winner came deep into stoppage time after a defensive mix-up, turning a tight first leg into a 1-0 Stockport advantage. It was the only goal of the match and the kind that shifts the pressure before the return leg.

Stevenage managed just two shots on target, the same total Stockport produced, and neither side found much room in the final third. Stockport controlled 60.6% of possession and won 10 corners to Stevenage’s four.

Edgeley Park Favors Stockport

Those numbers fit Stockport’s recent home record. They have won ten of their last 13 home assignments in all competitions, which gives Challinor’s side a platform when the tie moves to Edgeley Park.

Stevenage arrive with a tougher away trend. They have won only two of their last 13 away matches since Boxing Day and have failed to score more than once in any of those 13 games.

Stevenage Need More On Wednesday

Alex Revell’s immediate reaction after the first leg included the line, “the goal but it doesn't really change anything,” and the tie still sits on a single moment. Stevenage have scored one or fewer goals in 13 of their last 14 fixtures, and 11 of those matches finished under 2.5 goals.

The second leg on Wednesday, 13th May, decides whether Stockport turn that one-goal lead into a place in the final. Bradford and Bolton meet in the other League One playoff semi-final second leg on Thursday, 14th May.