Stockport County fans erupted in celebration at Edgeley Park as Benony Breki Andresson delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Huddersfield Town, sealing a crucial 1-0 victory in their League One promotion race. The air was thick with anticipation throughout the match, but it was Andresson—coming off the bench—who ultimately stole the show with his first league goal of the season, providing a moment that those in attendance won’t soon forget.
The encounter on January 10, 2026, had all the makings of a classic between two sides with their eyes firmly set on promotion. Stockport, eager to assert their dominance, took control early, dictating the tempo and pinning Huddersfield back for much of the first half. The Terriers, meanwhile, looked content to absorb pressure and strike on the counter, but neither side could find a breakthrough as the opening 45 minutes ticked away.
Stockport’s intent was clear from the outset. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and probed for weaknesses in Huddersfield’s defensive line. Their best chance in the first half came courtesy of Ollie Norwood, whose strike from the edge of the box—following a well-rehearsed set-piece—had the home crowd on their feet. But Terriers defender Joe Low was alert to the danger, rising highest to ensure the ball deflected away from goal, much to the relief of the visitors.
Huddersfield’s response was measured, but they struggled to create meaningful opportunities in the face of Stockport’s relentless pressure. The Terriers’ defensive discipline kept them in the contest, and goalkeeper Lee Nicholls was called into action to deny Odin Bailey’s powerful drive from outside the area. Nicholls’ low stop was one of the few moments of genuine threat, as both sides battled for control in a midfield war of attrition.
As the second half unfolded, the tension grew. Stockport continued to look the more likely to score, but Huddersfield’s resilience was on full display. The visitors nearly snatched the lead themselves with 18 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Will Alves injected pace and purpose, darting to the by-line before cutting the ball back for Bojan Radulovic. The striker’s effort, however, was blocked close to the line, leaving Huddersfield to rue what might have been.
With the game seemingly destined for a goalless draw, both managers turned to their benches in search of inspiration. Stockport boss Dave Challinor introduced Benony Breki Andresson, hoping the fresh legs could tip the balance. Little did he know just how decisive that substitution would prove to be.
Deep into stoppage time, Stockport earned a free-kick in a promising position. The tension was palpable as Jid Okeke stood over the ball, eyes scanning the penalty area for movement. With a deft touch, Okeke whipped in a teasing cross to the back post, where Andresson—timing his run to perfection—ghosted in unmarked. The substitute made no mistake, steering the ball past Nicholls and into the net to send the home fans into raptures. It was a goal born of training ground precision and match-day nerve, and it could not have come at a more critical moment.
For Andresson, the goal marked his first in league play this season—a milestone he’ll cherish, especially given the stakes. The significance of the moment was not lost on the Stockport faithful, who erupted in celebration as the final whistle sounded just moments later. The victory not only strengthened Stockport’s promotion credentials but also delivered a psychological blow to one of their direct rivals.
After the match, Stockport manager Dave Challinor was quick to praise his team’s effort and resilience. "There was lots of good stuff," Challinor remarked, clearly pleased with both the performance and the result. His side’s composure under pressure and ability to find a winner at the death will no doubt give them confidence as the season enters its decisive phase.
On the opposite touchline, Huddersfield manager Darren Grant could only reflect on the cruel nature of football. "Cruellest way to lose," Grant admitted, acknowledging the heartbreak of conceding so late after his team had battled valiantly for a point. The Terriers’ defensive organization and late counter-attacking threat were almost enough to secure a valuable away result, but ultimately, it was not to be.
The match was a showcase for the drama and unpredictability that makes League One football so compelling. Stockport’s dominance in possession was evident, but Huddersfield’s ability to threaten on the break kept the contest finely balanced until the very end. Both sides will take positives from the performance: Stockport for their perseverance and late heroics, and Huddersfield for their defensive solidity and flashes of attacking promise.
The win sees Stockport continue their impressive run of form, keeping them firmly in the promotion conversation as the season heats up. With fixtures coming thick and fast, maintaining momentum will be key. The emergence of match-winners like Andresson adds valuable depth to Challinor’s squad, giving them options and unpredictability in the final third.
For Huddersfield, the narrow defeat is a setback, but not a fatal one. The Terriers remain within touching distance of the top spots and will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. Grant’s men have shown they can compete with the division’s best, and if they can convert defensive discipline into attacking output, they’ll remain a threat in the promotion race.
The match also highlighted the importance of set-pieces and tactical flexibility in tight contests. Stockport’s winning goal was the result of a well-rehearsed routine, executed under the most intense pressure. In a league where margins are often razor-thin, such moments can make all the difference.
The day’s result was widely covered, with highlights published promptly and fans reliving Andresson’s winner across social media. The buzz around Edgeley Park is palpable, and supporters will be hoping this dramatic victory is a sign of more to come as Stockport chases a return to the upper echelons of English football.
As the dust settles on a memorable afternoon, both teams will reflect on what they gained—and what they lost. For Stockport, a last-gasp winner has injected fresh belief into their campaign. For Huddersfield, the pain of defeat will linger, but so too will the lessons learned. The League One promotion battle rolls on, and if this match is any indication, there are plenty more twists and turns to come.
With the season reaching its business end, every point matters, and every goal could prove decisive. Stockport’s late show against Huddersfield is a timely reminder that in football, it’s never over until it’s over.
