Challinor warns Stockport over mistakes pre final

Stockport County boss Dave Challinor said his side cannot afford to make "stupid mistakes" ahead of Sunday's EFL Trophy final at Wembley.

The Hatters, who face Luton in the final, are fifth in the League One table following their 2-2 draw with Greater Manchester rivals Bolton, during which they were reduced to 10 men.

Forward Louie Barry was dismissed having received two yellow cards in the final five minutes of Monday's League One fixture.

"You know it's a yellow card so it's absolutely stupid," Challinor told BBC Radio Manchester.

"We can't afford to have stupid mistakes and things that are controllable because that will hurt us.

"You trust people to go on the football pitch, if I can't trust to him to do his job and stay on the pitch, then rolling people out at Wembley and giving them a fanfare opportunity, you question whether you should do that."

If his side is victorious on Sunday, it would be their first time winning the competition after coming up short in consecutive years in 1992 and 1993.

Meanwhile Luton have lifted the trophy once before in 2009.

"It's a great day for everybody, most importantly, family friends and supporters, now we can look forward to what that looks like, the opportunity to play at Wembley," Challinor added.

Challinor also insists his side will not settle for anything less than triumphing in the League One play-offs.

Stockport were defeated on penalties in last season's play-off semi-final second leg against Leyton Orient and last played second tier football 24 years ago.

He added: "It's important we get into the play offs in a good position.

"We don't just want to get in there we want to try and win them."