Leyton Orient players celebrate winning on penalties against StockportGetty Images

Leyton Orient are aiming to return to the second tier for the first time since 1981-82

Ben Ashton
BBC Sport England

Leyton Orient reached the League One play-off final by beating Stockport County on penalties in a gripping semi-final tie.

With nothing separating the sides after a controversial first leg, County and the O's played out another pulsating encounter which went the full distance at a raucous Edgeley Park.

Ethan Galbraith struck the winning penalty for Orient after goalkeeper Josh Keeley had saved from Hatters winger Jack Diamond and Ryan Rydel struck the post.

Orient will face either Charlton or Wycombe at Wembley on Sunday, 25 May with a place in the Championship at stake.

It did not take long for a night of drama to get going as Ollie O'Neill gave Orient the lead after just 145 seconds when he arrowed in a first time volley at the near post following Galbraith's clever lofted free-kick.

The visitors enjoyed a fairly dominant opening spell until Stockport started to grow back into the contest and struck the crossbar after 17 minutes through Fraser Horsfall's header from eight yards.

From then on, it was Stockport who took control and Horsfall - who scored with a headed effort in the first leg and caused trouble all evening - again went close, glancing narrowly wide of the far post.

League One's top goalscorer Charlie Kelman almost doubled Orient's advantage slightly against the run of play when he headed against the underside of the crossbar from close range shortly before half-time.

Stockport came out with real intent after the break and found a deserved equaliser when Tanto Olaofe sent a phenomenal back-heeled flick into the corner following Diamond's low effort with 16 minutes of the 90 remaining to force extra time.

County continued to create chances as Horsfall forced Keeley into two more fine saves.

Odin Bailey almost won it for the hosts with practically the last kick of the game but his placed finish when through on goal cannoned away off the post.

It came down to spot-kicks and Orient managed to hold their nerve, scoring all four of their penalties to go through.

Leyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley celebrates the win over StockportRex Features

Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley saved a penalty from Stockport's Jack Diamond to help his side on the way to a 4-1 win in the shootout

Kelman's offside goal proves decisive

Stockport, who were playing National League North football six years ago and had been chasing a fourth promotion in seven seasons, will feel hard done by after what happened in the first leg.

County boss Dave Challinor described the decision to allow Kelman's opening goal on Saturday to stand despite him being two yards offside as "the worst I've seen in 15 years of management".

It ultimately proved to be extremely costly with that goal ensuring Orient were able to take the tie to penalties and keep their quest for a return to the second tier for the first time since 1982 on track.

Orient dig in to secure Wembley final

When Orient hero Keeley met Shay Given before Man City FA Cup tie in February

Leyton Orient had to dig deep to keep themselves in the tie throughout the 210 minutes across the two legs.

Their mettle was perhaps epitomised by Jack Currie midway through the second period when he clambered back to his feet after picking up an injury and chased down Olaofe to put in an excellent sliding tackle and prevent a cross.

It was one of many moments that helped Orient remain undefeated in all five of their English Football League (EFL) play-off semi-finals - and from playing in the National League six years ago, they are now 90 minutes away from possible promotion to the Championship.

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