Stockport substitute Stephen Gleeson hit a stunning late goal to give the Hatters a 1-1 draw in their Coca-Cola League Two play-off semi-final at Wycombe.

Delroy Facey's goal looked to be enough for Paul Lambert's hosts to claim a slender lead until 19-year-old Gleeson hammered in an unstoppable volley from 25 yards with eight minutes remaining.

It all sets up a tense second leg at Edgeley Park next Saturday.

Stockport boss Jim Gannon said afterward: "We were fortunate because there were one or two challenges on our players which could have resulted in a serious injury.

"Tommy Rowe got clattered in an awful challenge and the referee has to protect the players more.

"If you want good, young players to develop and you want to see good football at this level then the referees must be stronger.

"If they don't then you will see more players in hospital."

But opposite number Paul Lambert shrugged off criticism of his side's hard-tackling image and insisted that Gleeson's late strike had not changed the face of the tie.

He said: "I'm sure they were unhappy with some of the challenges from our boys but that's the game.

"I've never been involved as a player or manager in a game where the opposition will just give you the ball.

"The goal changes nothing.

"If someone has a four or five-goal lead then it's over but at 1-1 it makes no difference.

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