Exclusive: Fraser Horsfall Says Stockport County Are Ready to Tame Charlie Kelman and Book Wembley Dream

Defensive linchpin Fraser Horsfall has backed Stockport County to show their quality to dispense with Leyton Orient and earn a dream Wembley showdown.

The Hatters drew 2-2 with the O’s at Brisbane Road in a gripping – and controversial – League One semi-final promotion play-off first-leg showdown on Saturday.

Horsfall scored only his second goal of the season as County bravely battled back from a controversial opening goal to lead 2-1 with just two minutes to go.

But Orient dangerman Charlie Kelman, who had earlier scored a controversial opening goal which looked miles offside, bagged his second goal of the game, this time from the penalty spot, as Dave Challinor’s County were denied a slender lead going into Wednesday night’s second leg at Edgeley Park.

“We’ve got the second leg now at our place now – and that’s going to be massive,” Horsfall told SportsBoom.com. 

“It’s going to be a tight game, but we know that. They’ve got threats at the top of the pitch, but then so have we. It will be a good game."

“He’s [Kelman] scored a lot of goals for them. He’s also good on transition, so we’ve got to make sure we’re switched on for that."

“He’s obviously their main threat, but hopefully we can deal with him.”

QPR loan striker Kelman has been in fine form for the O’s this term 27 goals this season and an impressive 28 goal involvements.

RED ALERT

And Horsfall knows the Hatters’ defence will have to be on red alert to stop the dangerous marksman from firing Orient to the final.

“At the end of the day you want to play against the better players,” Horsfall added.

“I’ve played against him a few times over the years, he’s always been good."

“He’s had a really good season scoring-wise, but it’s good playing against those best players. I enjoy that challenge because it brings the best out of you.”

Kyle Wooton is the Hatters’ leading scorer this term with 13 goals – and is a man for the big occasion having enjoyed previous promotion success with the club.

“Kyle is massive for us, he gets hold of the ball and scores goals, and he’s got Isaac [Olaofe] alongside him as well."

“He can run the channels and is a real goal threat, they’re a real good mixture them too.”

MEMORABLE PROMOTION

The Hatters celebrated a memorable promotion back to League One last season and their journey back to the Football League from the wilderness is an impressive story.

Boss Challinor guided the club to promotion from the National League and, with two more victories, the club could earn the right to play in the Championship next season.

That would be a memorable three promotions inside five years, with club owner Mark Stott having laid down a blueprint of seven years to achieve a memorable promotion to the English second tier.

“It’s been a good season for me personally and as a team,” reflected Horsfall, 28.

“I had a bit of a setback earlier this season with the injury I picked up, but I managed to get back for some important games – and I’m just glad I can help the team."

“Leyton Orient are on a good run, but we’re in good form as well, so it should be a good game."

“We’ve got to enjoy it. It’s going to be a great occasion, but you’ve got to try and enjoy it as much as you possibly can. The more I enjoy it the more relaxed I play.

“Over the years we’ve been expected to win the league, especially when I signed a couple of years ago with the team we had."

“But it’s been a little bit different this season because we’ve signed a lot of new players and we didn’t really know what to expect."

“However, the young players that we’ve signed have stepped and we’ve had a really good year, so we’re just trying to take this [journey] in our stride."

“Our gaffer is a serial winner, he loves winning. But we love that because winning only brings success to everyone."

“Hopefully we can do it again this year through the play-offs."