Stockport County stun to reach second round of FA Cup

Stockport County have celebrated an historic win over League One side, Bolton Wanderers, in the FA Cup first round, the Hatters first win over Bolton in over 100 years.

The match, which was decided in extra time, was the club’s second successive game at Edgeley Park selected for live television coverage, and saw the Hatters come back from 2-3 at half-time to draw level in the second half and finish the game 5-3, after two goals scored in extra-time, including in the final minute of the game.

The win over Bolton Wanderers, the first for the Hatters since 1910, was hard fought, with Bolton taking the lead in the first minute of the game, before an own-goal from County’s Palmer put them 2-0 by the fifth minute. Despite a successful penalty from Madden, Bolton restored their two-goal lead shortly after, with Quigley closing the gap by half-time.

An aggressive second half saw County unable to equalise until the 85th minute thanks to a header from Palmer. Only in extra-time did the home side pull ahead with a second goal from Quigley in the 95th minute, before a last-minute shot from extra-time substitute Crankshaw saw the Hatters seal their victory.

A five-figure crowd was in attendance at Edgeley Park for the first-round FA Cup match, and the game was also televised live by BBC Sport. Victory over Bolton Wanderers will now see the National League side progress to the FA Cup’s second round, where they are set to face another League One team, Rotherham United.

A full Match Report, written by Gareth Evans, is available from the Stockport County website, with photography by Mike Petch.