Premiership hopeful Josh Payne enjoyed a dream start to his Whaddon Road career after grabbing a goal on his debut – but it was not enough to maintain new manager Martin Allen’s unblemished record after Stockport grabbed a late equaliser. 

West Ham youngster Payne, 17, was on hand to scoop home the rebound after Scott Murray saw his 65th-minute penalty saved by County goalkeeper Owain fon Williams.

But just four minutes from time Stockport grabbed a desperate equaliser after a defensive mix-up from a Michael Rose set-piece offered midfielder Michael Raynes the chance to head home from close range.  And they could have nicked it at the death but goalkeeper Scott Brown, in for the injured Shane Higgs, tipped a curling effort from Anthony Pilkington on to the crossbar.

On-loan Charlton striker Stuart Fleetwood had given Cheltenham a first-half lead after latching on to a long Alex Russell ball over the top and slotting home in the 31st minute.

Stockport levelled the affair in the 54th minute when impressive striker Peter Thompson diverted a Pilkington cross home after the wideman had waltzed past Paul Connor down on the touchline. 

Allen had also offered a debut to Wigan midfielder Lewis Montrose in a side that showed six changes from last weekend’s defeat at Millwall. Lloyd Owusu was absent with a sprained ankle to allow Fleetwood a first start alongside Connor up front.

Alan Wright suffered concussion in training on Friday and was replaced by Andy Gallinagh. Transfer-listed Jerry Gill, who looks set to leave the club after bidding farewell to the fans at the final whistle, made a first start under the new manager as Drissa Diallo was moved from right-back to the heart of defence.