Devis Vasquez, the Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper on loan from AC Milan, marked his debut with two shoot-out saves that saw his new side avoid embarrassment in the Carabao Cup.
Until substitute Tyreeq Bakinson scrambled a 97th-minute equaliser, it appeared that the Championship side were about to exit in the first round against League Two opponents.
But the Owls’ lucky escape was complete when Vasquez saved spot-kicks from Paddy Madden and Louie Barry, then Lee Gregory made no mistake from the spot.
More than 2,000 Stockport supporters made the short trip to Hillsborough and it looked like a superb 16th-minute strike from Madden was going to send them home happy. That opener was no more than Dave Challinor’s side deserved for an energetic start in which they quickly gained the upper hand.
With Wednesday camped in their own area they failed to pick up Madden, who volleyed Akil Wright’s cross past Vasquez.
Devis Vasquez (left) is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from AC Milan
The goalkeeper made vital penalty saves from Paddy Madden and Louis Barry (above) to secure Wednesday’s place in the next round
Stockport had to show high-quality defending during the first half when goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe dropped Juan Delgado’s cross. Gregory set up Anthony Musaba from the loose ball only for Ethan Pye to make a perfect block to preserve Stockport’s lead.
Musaba was one of seven summer signings selected by new Wednesday boss Xisco Munoz and the home side were certainly putting up a decent impression of a bunch of strangers.
Wednesday opened the second half in more threatening fashion with Ashley Fletcher carving out space and shooting just wide. And more poor handling from Hinchliffe sparked a furious scramble in the Stockport goalmouth which ended with Bambo Diaby’s shot being deflected wide.
In the sixth of seven minutes of stoppage time, Wednesday finally claimed an equaliser when Bakinson scrambled in an untidy effort. Then Vasquez made it a debut to remember, as his two saves meant Wednesday avoided an early exit.