Stockport's 106-year stay in the Football League is all but over following a 2-2 draw against fellow strugglers Northampton.
The draw has put paid to the Hatters' hopes of a miracle escape and given the Cobblers a better than even chance of survival themselves.
County got off to the worst possible start, conceding a goal within two minutes when Guillem Bauza tapped in a Leon McKenzie cross.
The Hatters equalised mid-way through the half when Paul Rodgers was forced to put into his own net under pressure from Adam Griffin after a cross by David Pool.
Both sides created a number of chances before it appeared to be curtains for County when Bauza was tripped in the area by Andy Halls, Shaun Harrad dispatching the penalty.
A fantastic 40-yard drive by Greg Tansey with two minutes left gave County hope that the miracle could happen, but the Cobblers held on for the draw meaning Edgeley Park is likely to host Blue Square Premier football for the first time in its history.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG