Ben Osborn struck deep into stoppage time as Stockport County claimed a narrow advantage over Stevenage in the first leg of their Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi-Final.

With the contest heading towards a goalless draw, Osborn capitalised on a loose touch inside the penalty area to prod home with virtually the final kick of the game, giving County a slender lead ahead of Wednesday’s return leg.

Stockport started brightly, with top scorer Kyle Wootton – deployed in an unfamiliar centre-back role – almost opening the scoring inside the opening minute.

Meeting Ollie Norwood’s corner unmarked, Wootton was unable to direct his header on target.

Stevenage responded and carved out several promising opportunities of their own. Jordan Roberts registered the first effort on target, though his header lacked the power to trouble Corey Addai.

Roberts was again involved shortly before the break, testing Addai from range before providing a corner from which Carl Piergianni headed over from close range.

County showed threat on the counter-attack, with Adama Sidibeh breaking forward early on but failing to pick out Louie Barry with a final pass that would have sent the winger through on goal.

Sidibeh later almost profited from a defensive error on the hour mark, only to hook a first-time effort wide while stretching.

After the interval, Stevenage continued to press. Dan Kemp turned well into space early in the second half but dragged his shot wide.

Kemp and Roberts combined again soon after, with Kemp bursting clear before going down under pressure from Tayo Edun, though the referee waved away appeals.

Piergianni endured a frustrating evening at both ends of the pitch, missing two further headed opportunities – including another free header from a Phoenix Patterson free-kick – as Stevenage searched for an opening.

Just as the game appeared set to end level, substitute Benony Andresson robbed possession but slipped at a crucial moment.

Osborn reacted quickest to the loose ball and finished calmly to hand Stockport a precious away-leg advantage.

County will now take a one-goal lead into the second leg, as the tie moves to Edgeley Park with a place in the League One Play-off Final at stake.

Stockport claim stoppage-time advantage at Stevenage

Stockport claim stoppage-time advantage at Stevenage