On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Stockport County staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Blackpool 2-1 at Edgeley Park, thanks to the exceptional performance of substitute Benony Andresson, who scored both goal for the Hatters.
The Seasiders opened the scoring early on, with Ashley Fletcher finding the back of the net just seven minutes after the kickoff. A superbly timed pass from Albie Morgan allowed Fletcher, on loan from the Seasiders, to elegantly lift the ball over Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai, marking his seventh goal of the season.
Following their early lead, Blackpool almost doubled their advantage shortly after, but Fletcher’s flicked attempt rebounded off the inside of the post and back to Addai, much to the relief of the home fans.
Stockport, playing to improve their mid-table standings, faced off against their rivals with urgency but struggled to penetrate Blackpool's defense during the first half. Lewis Bate's effort was the Hatters’ first shot on target, and it tested Blackpool's goalkeeper Harry Tyrer, who deftly parried the ball away. Tyrer showcased his skills again, saving attempts from Tanto Olaofe, leaving the Hatters frustrated as they entered halftime trailing 1-0.
During the interval, Stockport manager Dave Challinor made three impactful changes, introducing Andresson, Callum Camps, and Owen Moxon to reinvigorate the squad. The switch bore dividends almost immediately when Andresson scored just two minutes after the restart. He netted his first goal for the club by finding space to slot home from Olaofe's squared pass, catching the Blackpool defense off guard.
The momentum shifted significantly as Stockport gained confidence. Just moments later, Blackpool nearly restored their lead when Niall Ennis encountered Addai, but the young keeper was quick to respond, blocking the close-range effort.
Andresson continued to shine for County, testing Tyrer again before the decisive moment of the game unfolded. With time winding down, he rose above the defense to direct another header past Tyrer, scoring his second goal and giving Stockport the lead for the first time at 2-1. This came from another assist by Camps, who delivered the cross from the right.
Andresson's late brace ensured the victory, as Stockport held firm against Blackpool's attempts to retaliate. The win marked County’s fourth consecutive victory at home and brought them within four points of the automatic promotion spots. Their determination on matchday echoed their season-long ambition to return to the higher echelons of English football.
Attendance for the match was reported at 10,554, with notable performances from both teams. Blackpool's Fletcher was recognized for his impressive early strike, but it was Stockport’s Andresson who stole the show, earning the Player of the Match honors.
Post-match, Challinor praised the adjustments made at halftime and highlighted the importance of Andresson’s contributions, stating, "The Icelandic forward proved pivotal with another key goal heading late, showcasing the depth of our squad." Meanwhile, the Seasiders faced disappointment as their slim play-off hopes suffered with their first loss since Boxing Day, leaving manager Steve Bruce pushing for reflections on their performance and strategies moving forward.
This encounter marked the latest clash between teams hungry for success, and with the remainder of the season still to come, both clubs will look to learn from the game as they navigate toward their respective goals.