2008 Football League Two play-off Final

This was Stockport fifth visit to the national stadium, having previously played four and lost four back in the 1990s under Danny Bergara. Stockport Manager Jim Gannon played in all four of Stockport's previous Wembley appearances, but this was the first time he would be managing a team at Wembley. It has to be noted that Stockports four previous appearances were at the old Wembley stadium and that this match would be their first visit to the rebuilt national stadium.

Rochdale, who were celebrating their 100 year anniversary during this season were making their visit ever visit to Wembley.

Having been designated as the official "home" team, Stockport wore their traditional home kit of blue shirts, blue shorts and white socks, manufactured by Diadora. Rochdale wore their centenary kit black and white striped shirts, white shorts and white socks manufactured by Nike. This kit was influenced by the strong Newcastle United side of 1907, the year Rochdale was formed. Stockport's goalkeeper wore a dark green kit, While Rochdale goalkeeper Tommy Lee work black and grey. Stockport did not name a substitute goalkeeper on the bench. Adam Proudlock, although an outfield player was rumoured to have had both a goalkeepers and his regular outfield jersey if required.

The referee was Stuart Attwell who was promoted to Football League refereeing list ahead of the 2007–08 season, officiating his first match on 11 August 2007. This was Attwell's first Play-Offs as a football league referee and therefore his first time refereeing a match of Wembley.

Rochdale were without midfielder David Perkins after he was sent off in the 2nd leg of the play off semi final against Darlington. Nathan D'Laryea, who had only started five matches in the regular season started for Rochdale in Perkins' place alongside experienced midfielder and Rochdale captain Gary Jones. Former Stockport striker Adams Le Fondre was brought back into the starting line up after being a substitute in the semi-final. Rochdale started the match with eight players under the age of twenty three.

Conrad Logan kept his place in the Stockport goal after replacing John Ruddy for the 2nd leg of the semi final. Stockport did not name John Ruddy on the bench instead Adam Proudlock, although an outfield player was rumoured to have had both a goalkeepers and his regular outfield jersey if required. Captain Gareth Owen started the match but wore a protective mask throughout it after being injured in the semi final against Wycombe. Matty McNeil who was out with a knee injury since November 2007 was named amongst the Stockport substitutes.

Wembley Stadium after as County celebrate their promotion

Over 35,000 fans made the 400-mile round trip from Greater Manchester to Wembley Stadium for this classic final. Captain Gary Jones led out Rochdale into the rain-soaked arena, Stockport County were led out by their skipper, Gareth Owen, who wore a protective face mask for the match after breaking his cheekbone in the semifinal against Wycombe.[13]

Both teams started off tentatively, however after 24 minutes Rory McArdle opened the scoring for Rochdale with a header from a Kallum Higginbotham corner. On 31 minutes, County were awarded a free kick, Anthony Pilkington curled his effort millimetres wide. Shortly after, however his side did equalize. Tommy Rowe's short taken corner was diverted into his own goal by Nathan Stanton.

The second half got underway with a bang as County got to grip with their local rivals, a quick cross from Michael Rose skidded off the greasy surface and onto the head of Anthony Pilkington who excellently diverted the ball in past keeper Tommy Lee. A nice passing move involving Jimmy McNulty, Paul Turnbull & Anthony Pilkington ended up with the ball in the path of Liam Dickinson who smashed the ball in from a narrow angle to give Stockport a two-goal cushion. County searched for more with McNulty & Rose going close before Adam Rundle pulled a goal back for Rochdale with an excellent volley. The final 10 minutes passed without incident and Stockport County won 3–2. [14][15][16]

Stockport County returned to League One after a three-year absence with this victory.[17] For Jim Gannon & Peter Ward it was their first win at Wembley Stadium in 5 attempts, having previously lost four finals with Stockport (1992 Football Trophy Final, 1992 Division Three play-off Final, 1993 Football Trophy Final & 1994 Division Two play-off Final) matches which were played at the Old Wembley Stadium.[18]