It’s winner takes all on Wednesday evening when County take on Orient in the north-west
Stockport County v Leyton Orient Free Bets & Match Preview
Hatters at the Gates of Glory: Stockport and Orient Set for Decisive Second-Leg Showdown
League One Playoff Semi-Final, Second Leg | Edgeley Park | May 14, 2025 – Kick-off at 8:00pm (UK)
All Square and All to Play for Under the Lights in Stockport
With ninety minutes left to determine who will book their ticket to Wembley, Stockport County and Leyton Orient are poised for an almighty tussle at Edgeley Park this Wednesday evening. The first leg may have ended in a goal-laden stalemate down at Brisbane Road, but there’s nothing undecided about what’s at stake here: a place in the League One playoff final and a shot at the Championship.
After slugging it out for a 2-2 draw in the capital, the Hatters return to their North West nest in bullish mood. Their recent record at home reads like a love letter to consistency, while Leyton Orient arrive as underdogs with history – and possibly muscle memory – on their side. A tantalising playoff tie teeters on the edge of greatness.
Hatters Poised to Make Edgeley Park a Fortress Once More
Stockport County’s rise from National League obscurity to the cusp of Championship football in just a few seasons has been nothing short of sensational. Under Dave Challinor, the Hatters have turned their home into a near-impregnable stronghold – ten matches unbeaten on their own turf, and counting.
Not since the early days of January have the Edgeley Park faithful trudged home following a defeat. That particular disappointment came at the hands of Mansfield Town, when goals from Lee Gregory and Will Evans ruined the party. Since then, Challinor’s men have been the very model of resilience and firepower – and their confidence will be sky-high heading into this second leg.
Their hard-earned draw in London extended an already impressive unbeaten streak to nine matches across all competitions, and it’s not just the results – it’s the manner in which they’ve been achieved. Grit, flair, and just enough bite to give any visitor the jitters.
Firepower Not Forgotten Despite Barry’s Departure
Even after losing 15-goal striker Louie Barry in January, Stockport haven’t exactly turned shy in front of goal. With only Birmingham City managing to outscore them over the course of the League One campaign, the Hatters have made a habit of finding the net from all corners of the pitch.
The first leg saw them lean on experience and tenacity. Oliver Norwood, a name familiar to many from his Sheffield United days, showed his playoff pedigree with a goal and assist, while centre-back Fraser Horsfall got in on the act too, nodding home to ensure the tie remained delicately balanced.
If Wednesday’s second leg is anything like the first, fans are in for a breathless ride – and punters too. Speaking of which, Ladbrokes are offering new customers a cracking Bet £5, Get £20 in free bets. Much like Stockport’s midfield trio, it’s simple, effective, and not to be underestimated.
O’s Ready to Spoil the Party – Again
Richie Wellens and his Leyton Orient side will take heart from their own recent run. The East London outfit are unbeaten in eight outings, and they’ve built a reputation for getting the job done on the road. Their 23 away fixtures this season yielded 39 goals – second only to Wycombe Wanderers. There’s no shortage of ambition among the O’s.
They also won’t need reminding of their earlier-season hammering of Stockport at this very ground. Back in September, they served up a four-goal thumping, with Ethan Galbraith grabbing a brace and further efforts from Dan Agyei and Sean Clare making for a most memorable away day. That 4-1 thrashing will sit fondly in Orient memories – and ominously in Stockport minds.
Even if the bookmakers fancy the Hatters, Orient’s knack for a surprise could tempt punters looking for value. And with bookmaker free bet bonuses popping up faster than playoff plot twists, it might just be the perfect time to roll the dice.
First-Leg Highlights Set the Stage for a Cracker
Saturday’s first-leg battle in London was anything but cagey. In fact, it had more drama than your average soap opera. Charlie Kelman, Orient’s in-form frontman, continued his red-hot run with yet another brace – his fourth since mid-March. He’s a man who knows his way to goal and could be key again in the return leg.
The O’s twice clawed their way back into contention at Brisbane Road, showing guts and a bit of guile in the process. While the bookmakers still have them tagged as outsiders, their pluck and punch can’t be discounted.
Team News – Settled Hatters and Hungry O’s
Stockport could stick with the same XI that put in a spirited display in the capital. That would see the ever-reliable Jordan Addai between the sticks, shielded by a back three of Akil Hills, Fraser Horsfall, and Neill Byrne’s replacement, Ethan Pye. On the flanks, Ibou Touray will hope to provide his usual dose of dynamism.
In midfield, the experienced Norwood is expected to line up alongside William Collar and the industrious Owen Moxon, with youngster Fevrier also pushing for a start. Up top, the physical presence of Kyle Wootton could again be paired with the lively Isaac Olaofe, as Stockport aim to test Orient’s back line from the off.
Leyton Orient, meanwhile, could freshen things up. Keeper Soloman Keeley should hold onto his place, but Tom James and Jack Currie – who both made second-half cameos at Brisbane Road – are in contention for starting spots out wide.
At the heart of the defence, Dan Happe is expected to partner Omar Beckles, with Ethan Galbraith anchoring the midfield alongside Sean Clare and Kofi Donley. Up front, Charlie Kelman – understandably undroppable – will likely be flanked by Agyei and the promising Azeem Abdulai, though Oliver O’Neill is pushing hard for involvement.
Wembley Beckons – But Who Will Make the Cut?
With the tie poised at 2-2, this is a proper winner-takes-all encounter. The momentum may just favour the Hatters, whose home form has been utterly formidable since the turn of the year. But Leyton Orient, armed with memories of a rampant September, won’t be travelling simply to make up the numbers.
Expect thrills, spills, and possibly a late goal or two as Edgeley Park roars its side forward. The tension is high, the stakes even higher – and for neutrals, it’s a playoff night to savour.
Our Prediction: Stockport County 3-2 Leyton Orient (Stockport to win 5-4 on aggregate)
Yes, we’re backing the hosts – but only just. Stockport’s cohesion, confidence, and set-piece prowess might just be enough to see them over the line. But with Kelman in the mood and Orient refusing to lie down, don’t expect it to be straightforward.
Whether you’re siding with the Hatters’ dream or backing the O’s to spring another surprise, now’s the time to get your bets in. And if you fancy making the most of it, Ladbrokes’ new customer offer – Bet £5, Get £20 in free bets – gives you that extra nudge to dive in. Go on, give your Wednesday night some proper playoff sparkle – just maybe keep the nerves-steadying beverage close at hand.
