Álvaro Hernández
Dailysports's expert
On May 14, Edgeley Park will host the second leg of the League One playoff semifinal, with Stockport County taking on Leyton Orient. For this clash, I'm offering a bet on goals, cards, and the match winner.
Stockport County
The club delighted its fans in 2024. Having only recently played in the sixth tier—a semi-amateur level—they managed, on their second attempt, to win League Two. Previously, they reached the playoff final but fell short in 2023. In any case, it was clear that this squad was a competitive force moving up to League One.
And they proved it— even a 1-6 defeat to Blackburn in the League Cup didn’t shake them, and they started the tougher 2023/24 campaign with three straight wins. It’s understandable they couldn’t keep up that pace all season and had some stumbles. But crucially, since late March, they only drew with Peterborough, winning the other seven fixtures. That run was enough for the newcomers to secure third place with 87 points, comfortably setting them up to face what should be a weaker playoff opponent.
Leyton Orient
The London-based team faces fierce competition, with plenty of successful rivals. So it’s no surprise that, after a brief stint in the top flight, they not only failed to repeat that achievement but even dropped as far as the Conference. However, less than a decade later, they climbed back up several divisions to reach League One. Last year, they finished in a modest but safe eleventh place.
This season, Richie Wellens and his squad not only held their ground but, thanks to a decisive spring surge with six wins, reached the 78-point mark. That was enough to book a playoff spot, leaving Reading disappointed and heading off for an early holiday. In the playoffs, Leyton Orient opened the scoring but ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding late.
Match facts
- Stockport County have lost just one of their last fourteen matches
- Stockport County average 1.57 goals scored and 0.94 goals conceded per game
- Leyton Orient have won six of their last seven matches
H2H
Typically, the teams have traded wins in the divisions where they've crossed paths. That was the case again this regular season, with both sides winning away from home.
Stockport County vs Leyton Orient prediction
Bookmakers are backing the current hosts to see off their opponents at home. But it’s worth considering a neutral bet on "over 2.5 total goals" (odds – 1.92).
