Stockport enjoy decent away day and progress in the cup

Tranmere Rovers 1 - 3 Stockport County

Stockport sealed their place in the second round of the FA Cup with a win over Tranmere Rovers.

Author | Alan White

Stadium | Prenton Park

Second-half goals from Jack Diamond, Oliver Norwood and Nathan Lowe saw Dave Challinor’s side progress to Monday night’s draw, with Omari Patrick scoring Rovers’ only reply.

Tranmere started brightly, putting their League One visitors under pressure in a lively opening spell. They almost went ahead in the seventh minute when Charlie Whitaker shot wide with only goalkeeper Corey Addai to beat.

READ MORE | Stockport County move to the top of League One

Stockport soon threatened themselves, as Kyle Wootton’s low drive from the edge of the box whistled narrowly past the post, leaving Rovers keeper Jack Barrett stranded.

Both teams pushed for a breakthrough before half-time, with Whitaker’s close-range header blocked and Jayden Fevrier forcing Barrett into a sharp save at the other end.

An action packed second-half

Shining bright at Prenton Park! 💎 #StockportCounty pic.twitter.com/wY7FIU43kB

— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) November 1, 2025

Stockport made the breakthrough ten minutes after the restart, Diamond firing beyond Barrett from 20 yards to spark celebrations among the large travelling support behind the goal.

Tranmere drew level in the 71st minute when Patrick coolly side-footed home from Cameron Norman’s looping cross, but Norwood restored County’s lead 13 minutes later with a clever free-kick that caught Barrett out at his near post.

The Hatters pushed for a third goal in normal time, but Jack Barrett denied substitutes Owen Dodgson and Nathan Lowe twice, as well as Odin Bailey, who was marking his 100th appearance for the club.

In the first of six added minutes, Lowe finally made certain of County’s place in the second-round draw, lifting the ball over Barrett after racing onto a long pass.