Owen to wear mask at Wembley

Stockport County's captain, Gareth Owen, will wear a protective mask in today's League Two play-off final at Wembley. The defender broke his cheekbone in the semi-final victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Owen is likely to be partnered in central defence today by Jim McNulty, a replacement for Michael Raynes, who injured his hamstring in the semi-final first leg at Adams Park.

Stockport, seeking to return to League One after a three-year absence, are making a fifth visit to the national stadium. Rochdale have never played at Wembley.

The Lancastrians will be without the midfielder David Perkins, who is suspended, and striker Lee Thorpe, who recently broke his arm. The midfielder Dominic Blizzard will be available after a calf injury.

Stockport finished just below the automatic promotion spots. The highest placed play-off team in League Two has won the final in 12 of the last 17 years.