Dave Challinor wants Premier League leaders Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup after Stockport survived a second-half scare to beat non-league Brackley Town 3-1 at Edgeley Park.
League One County had one foot in Monday’s draw after Will Collar and Kyle Wootton scored inside the opening 18 minutes.
But a failure to take their chances and Callum Connolly’s bizarre second-half own goal gave the National League North side hope of an upset.
Brackley’s Alfie Bates had a 77th-minute goal disallowed for offside before substitute Tanto Olaofe sealed victory after 86 minutes.
“I am at Liverpool and Man City tomorrow so I would love to draw Liverpool away being a Liverpool fan,” said Challinor.
“Either of those would be great but at least we can look forward to what Monday brings with fingers crossed.”
Challinor was less excited by his side’s display, especially after the break which included Connolly scoring into his own net with a 45-yard back pass.
“Momentum can change quickly and we were comfortable in the first half,” said the Hatters boss.
“The game should have been over with the chances we created. But it wasn’t and I said that to the players at half-time.
“The manner of the goal we conceded gave Brackley a leg up and it gave us a kick.”
On Connolly’s error, Challinor joked: “I didn’t know Callum could kick it that far with his left foot.”
Brackley boss Gavin Cowan said: “We were so close to dreamland.
“I know some of the Stockport players weren’t overly convinced we were offside.
“Countless times we felt it could have gone our way but didn’t quite.
“It’s disappointing but the character we showed to perform in the second half was really commendable.”
