Stockport County fans at Edgeley Park were treated to a dramatic finale on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as their team edged out Huddersfield Town 1-0 in a tense Sky Bet League One clash. For much of the afternoon, it looked like the match would end goalless, but substitute Benony Breki Andresson had other ideas, snatching victory for the Hatters deep into stoppage time. The win, witnessed by 9,486 spectators, not only underlined Stockport’s promotion credentials but also left Huddersfield searching for answers after another away-day disappointment.
From the opening whistle, Stockport asserted their authority on home turf. The Hatters dominated possession and dictated the pace, while Huddersfield struggled to find their rhythm. It was clear early on that Stockport had come prepared, their energy and tactical discipline stifling the Terriers’ attacking ambitions. Huddersfield, managing just 33 percent possession, found themselves chasing shadows for large stretches of the game.
The first half offered few clear-cut chances, but it wasn’t without its moments of promise. Stockport’s Odin Bailey looked lively, probing from midfield and testing Huddersfield’s defense. The best opportunity of the half arguably fell to Ollie Norwood, whose strike from the edge of the box—following a well-rehearsed set piece—forced a desperate intervention from Terriers defender Joe Low, who ensured the ball went wide of the target. Despite their dominance, Stockport couldn’t find a breakthrough before the interval, and the teams went into the dressing rooms deadlocked at 0-0.
Huddersfield’s traveling supporters might have hoped for a response after the break, but the pattern of play remained much the same. Stockport continued to probe, with Bailey again coming close, only to be denied by a sharp low save from Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. The Terriers, meanwhile, struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities. Their best spell came with just 18 minutes left, when substitute Will Alves burst down the byline and cut the ball back for Bojan Radulovic. His effort was bravely blocked near the line, and Dion Charles couldn’t capitalize on the rebound. It was a fleeting moment of threat in an otherwise frustrating afternoon for the visitors.
As time ticked away, it appeared both sides would have to settle for a share of the spoils. But deep into the sixth minute of added time, Stockport won a free-kick and seized their chance. Jid Okeke, who had been industrious all game, whipped in a teasing cross to the far post. Andresson, introduced as a substitute, lost his marker and finished coolly, sending the home fans into raptures. The late winner was a reward for Stockport’s persistence and a hammer blow to Huddersfield’s hopes of climbing the table.
After the final whistle, emotions ran high on both sides. Huddersfield manager Lee Grant cut a frustrated figure as he reflected on his team’s performance. "We’ve still got another gear to find when it comes to our bravery, particularly away from home," Grant admitted. "We have to go back to the drawing board on that, because for me, there’s more in the group, and right now we’re coming up short in these moments." He continued, "I don’t think we showed enough confidence and self-belief, individually or collectively. Once they step across that line, they have to find the collective self-belief and energy to take the ball and impose themselves on what was always going to be a really tough challenge. We’re more than capable."
Grant’s disappointment was palpable, especially as he pointed to recurring issues that have plagued his side in recent weeks. "My disappointment is twofold: one, that we don’t see the game out as we should, and we should be talking here about a well-fought and hard-earned clean sheet. Then of course, we need to be better with the ball, which has been the same message for the past two weeks now." Huddersfield’s inability to maintain possession and assert themselves in key moments has now cost them valuable points in back-to-back fixtures, raising questions about their readiness for the promotion race.
On the opposite bench, Stockport boss Dave Challinor was understandably pleased with his team’s display and the manner of their victory. "I think we deserved the result based on our endeavour and what we put into the game," Challinor said. He emphasized the importance of returning to the club’s core identity: "Our identity over the years has been built on our possession stuff, and we got back to that. We made some really good moments and didn’t make the most of them, but with the one ball we do put in with quality, we get the winner."
Challinor also revealed that the week’s preparations had focused on rediscovering the formula that brought Stockport success in recent seasons. "We looked in units at videos of the past three or four years and what that looked like, and that was a big part of what we did today," he explained. "The lads have set the bar and we’ve got to make sure the bar doesn’t drop below that." After conceding late in their previous outing, Stockport’s resilience and renewed focus were evident—qualities that could serve them well as the campaign heats up.
The result leaves Stockport County firmly in the hunt for promotion, their confidence buoyed by a disciplined performance and a dramatic late winner. For Huddersfield Town, the defeat is a setback that exposes lingering vulnerabilities, particularly when playing away from home. With the league table tightening and every point crucial, both sides will need to draw lessons from this encounter as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Edgeley Park was the stage for late drama and high emotion, and as the dust settles, Stockport’s fans will savor a victory that could prove pivotal in their season. Huddersfield, on the other hand, must regroup quickly if they’re to keep pace in the promotion race. The next round of fixtures can’t come soon enough for either side.
