Stockport's Dickinson gets the job done

Liam Dickson will remember the drab reality of a nine-to-five existence when he plays at Wembley a week today. Two-and-a-half years after leaving non-League and a full-time job, the striker is savouring his rapid rise after scoring the only goal in Stockport's League Two play-off semi-final second leg win over Wycombe on Saturday.

Looking ahead to the final against Rochdale, Dickinson said: "This is a dream come true. I came from Woodley Sports in the UniBond League and I had a job doing graphics to keep me ticking over."

Dickinson's 20th goal of the season left Wycombe boss Paul Lambert considering his future while the other semi-final brought a bittersweet moment for Rochdale's David Perkins.

The midfielder scored his side's second goal in a 2-1 win which took the tie to extra-time, but was sent off for a tackle on Ricky Ravenhill before Rochdale went through on penalties.

Manager Keith Hill, born the year the club last won promotion and enjoying his 39th birthday, vowed to appeal against the red card. He said: 'We want it rescinded. If there's any justice it will be. David deserves to play at Wembley.