Champions County now back where they belong!

THEY'D waited a long time for this moment in Stockport and they weren't going to wait a second longer than necessary.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

With five minutes of their season to go, hundreds of supporters ringed the edge of the Edgeley Park pitch. It was time to get the party started.

In the home team's technical area boss, Dave Challinor looked like the calmest man inside the ground. He shared handshakes with his backroom staff, asked the fourth official if it was worth playing added time, and offered a thumbs-up to the fans who had gathered behind the dugout.

When referee Matthew Dicicco signalled for his linesman to begin the sprint for the tunnel, Challinor was engulfed. Eleven years of pain, of frustration, and of wondering if this moment would ever come were Over.

From three sides of Edgeley Park, Stockport County fans flooded the playing surface. Blue smoke filled the air and the players who had returned the club to their rightful standing were hoisted high on their shoulders.

The Hatters are back in the Football League.

The last decade has seen some dark times at Edgeley Park, including six years in the purgatory of the National League North, but at long last, this club are back where they belong.