Stephen Gleeson's stunning late strike secured a 1-1 draw for Stockport at Wycombe in their play-off clash.
Stunning late strike secures draw away to Wycombe
Stephen Gleeson's stunning late strike secured a 1-1 draw for Stockport in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at Wycombe.
The teenage substitute unleashed a fearsome swerving volley from 25 yards out which had Chairboys goalkeeper Frank Fielding grasping at thin air.
Gleeson's strike cancelled out Delroy Facey's opener in the first period of a hard-fought encounter when he took advantage of a weak clearance from John Ruddy before bursting through to fire home.
Wycombe started brightly and midfielder Tommy Doherty twice went close early on as he collected Facey's astute lay-off to rattle a 20-yard drive at Ruddy before chipping onto the roof of the net.
But Stockport then began to control the game and only a tremendous save from Fielding prevented the Hatters from taking the lead in the 27th minute.
A run from Tommy Rowe ended with a ball out wide to Michael Rose and his deep cross from the left was met by a powerful header from Anthony Pilkington.
The header was on target but Fielding did brilliantly to turn it away from point-blank range.
Gifted
An aberration from Ruddy at the other end gifted Facey and Wanderers the lead in the 37th minute when a routine backpass should have presented the on-loan Everton keeper with few problems but he shanked his clearance to Facey 25 yards out.
The burly striker's touch was not the best but he reacted superbly to outmuscle two defenders and prod past Ruddy from 10 yards.
Wycombe defenders Mike Williamson and Leon Johnson both headed corners off target in a bright opening to the second period before Rowe passed up a golden chance to level the scores.
The impressive Liam Dickinson powered down the right of the area and his low ball across the six-yard box picked out Rowe arriving at the far post.
The youngster looked certain to score but completely missed his kick with the goal gaping.
It was a let-off for the home side and Gary Holt nearly grabbed a second on the break but fired over when well placed.
The Chairboys looked set to hold on for the win until on-loan Wolves midfielder Gleeson popped up with an inspired strike which triggered a pitch invasion from the joyous away fans.
A ball into the box was headed away by Williamson to Gleeson but there appeared little danger until his sweetly-struck shot swerved past Fielding and set up a tense second leg at Edgeley Park next Saturday.
