In a thrilling encounter at Edgeley Park on Monday, April 21, 2025, Stockport County clinched their place in the League One play-offs with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town. The match, attended by 10,346 fans, saw Stockport rally from a goal down, showcasing resilience and determination in front of their home crowd.
Huddersfield initially took control of the match, with Josh Koroma finding the back of the net just after the hour mark. Koroma was given enough space to unleash a low shot from the edge of the box, placing it perfectly into the bottom-left corner, leaving Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai with no chance. This goal came as a result of a sustained period of pressure from the visitors, who were eager to secure a playoff spot of their own.
However, Stockport refused to back down. Just over ten minutes after Koroma's opener, acting captain Fraser Horsfall headed home the equalizer from an Ollie Norwood corner. The former Huddersfield player, who had started his career at the club, made a significant impact on the game, demonstrating why he is a key player for Stockport.
As the clock ticked down, the tension in the stadium intensified. With only minutes left on the clock, Stockport was awarded a penalty after Benony Andresson was brought down in the area by Matty Pearson. Norwood stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick, sending Addai the wrong way to secure the win for the Hatters. This late goal not only sealed the match but also marked a significant achievement for Stockport, as it was their first victory over Huddersfield in more than two decades.
The defeat was particularly painful for Huddersfield, who saw their hopes of reaching the playoffs dashed with this loss. Things went from bad to worse for the Terriers when substitute Callum Marshall received a straight red card for a high tackle on Horsfall in added time, compounding their misery.
Stockport's victory was not just about the three points; it was a testament to their growth and determination this season. Having endured a challenging start, the Hatters have turned their fortunes around, thanks in part to the contributions of key players like Horsfall and Norwood, both of whom have a history with Huddersfield.
After the match, Stockport manager praised his team's spirit: "We showed great character to come back after going a goal down. The players believed in themselves, and it was fantastic to see the crowd get behind us. This win is a huge step for our club and our fans."
On the other side, Huddersfield's manager expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the future: "We have to learn from this experience. We had our chances but didn’t take them. The red card at the end was unfortunate, but we must focus on improving for the next game."
The match statistics reflected a closely contested affair. Stockport had 51% possession, while Huddersfield managed 49%. Both teams created numerous chances, with Stockport registering 14 shots to Huddersfield's 11. However, it was the Hatters who made their opportunities count when it mattered most.
As the final whistle blew, the jubilant Stockport players celebrated on the pitch, knowing they had not only secured a playoff spot but also achieved a significant milestone in their club's history. The Hatters will now look to build on this momentum as they head into the playoffs, aiming for a chance at promotion to the Championship.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield will need to regroup quickly, as they prepare for their next fixture. The defeat has left them with much to ponder, especially as they reflect on missed opportunities throughout the season that ultimately cost them a playoff berth.
With the playoffs on the horizon, Stockport County's victory over Huddersfield Town serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that football brings. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches as the season draws to a close, with Stockport now firmly in the mix for promotion.
