Stockport County came from a goal down in the League Two play-off final at Wembley to beat local rivals Rochdale 3-2 and seal their promotion.

Rory McArdle put Rochdale ahead after 23 minutes but an own-goal from Nathan Stanton levelled the scores on 34 minutes before Anthony Pilkington and Liam Dickinson netted after the break to give Stockport a two-goal lead.

Adam Rundle's super 77th minute strike gave Dale some hope as the clock wound down, but Stockport clung on to return to the third division after a three year absence.

The game started in a cagey fashion as both teams took their time to adjust to the soggy conditions at a rain-soaked Wembley.

The opener changed the dynamic of the match. It came courtesy of McArdle's near post header from a corner. The big defender rose well in a congested six-yard box to direct a downward header past Conrad Logan in the Stockport net.

It was McArdle's central defensive partner who found the back of the net to level things up 11 minutes later, the unfortunate Stanton getting the final touch to divert the ball into his own goal following a teasing Tommy Rowe cross.

Stockport had enjoyed the better of possession in the closing stages of the first half and they continued to press after the restart, so it came as no surprise when they took the lead for the first time in the match four minutes into the second period.

Pilkington, who had been Stockport's most influential player up until that point, swooped to head Michael Rose's awkward cross in off the underside of the bar.

Jim Gannon's side took heart from the goal and soon established a two-goal cushion. Pilkington was again involved, playing the ball through for the big striker to run on to and power a low shot past Lee at his near post.

Stockport seemed destined to cruise to victory at that point, but Rundle clearly had not read the script and his well-struck volley from outside the area with 13 minutes remaining set up a nervy final period of play.

But Dale failed to threaten again and Stockport held firm to cap a fine season with promotion back into League One.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport