Ireland keeper Josh Keeley celebrated his international call-up by helping Leyton Orient to a penalty shootout victory to reach the League One play-off final after a gripping semi-final battle with Stockport.
The former St Patrick's Athletic stopper was named in Heimir Hallgrimsson's squad for the upcoming June friendlies against Senegal and Luxembourg, and he was on hand to help his club side to secure a final berth for a place in the Championship next season.
Jack Diamond and Ryan Rydel missed from 12 yards as Orient prevailed 4-1 on spot-kicks after an absorbing tie had ended 3-3 on aggregate following a breathless 1-1 draw at Edgeley Park.
Ollie O'Neill had fired Orient ahead after just three minutes but Stockport claimed a deserved equaliser with a superb flick from Isaac Olaofe 16 minutes from time.
Olaofe spurned a gilt-edged chance in the closing minutes of normal time and the Hatters suffered further anguish as Odin Bailey hit the post late in the second extra period.
They paid the price for those misses as Keeley saved from Diamond and Rydel struck the post in the shootout.
Stockport had the better of the chances in extra time but Fraser Horsfall’s glancing header was pushed away.
Keeley then produced a stunning save to keep out a low shot from Horsfall and Bailey thought he had snatched victory in the dying moments only for his effort to strike the post.
Orient punished the hosts with four perfect penalties and will face Charlton or Wycombe at Wembley.
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