Olowu’s Header Lifts Stockport County Past Blackpool, Bolsters Playoff Ambitions at Edgeley Park

Stockport, England — Joseph Olowu rose above the chaos in the Edgeley Park penalty area, his 63rd-minute header proving decisive on an afternoon when precision split two teams pushing in opposite directions. For Stockport County, the narrow 1-0 victory over Blackpool was not merely another three points; it was a testament to their resilience—and a mark of growing intent in the League One playoff race.

The match unfolded with the kinetic urgency of mid-autumn football, both clubs arriving weighed down by recent results but for vastly different reasons. Stockport County, fresh from a bruising 1-3 defeat at Salford City in the EFL Trophy, sought to rediscover the discipline that has kept them within striking distance of the top six. Blackpool, marooned near the foot of the table, knew that another setback could deepen an already uneasy relationship with their traveling supporters.

First Half: Cautious Openings, Flickers of Promise

From the opening whistle, Stockport asserted themselves centrally. Oliver Norwood—his recent goals a steadying presence in County’s engine room—set the early tempo with crisp distribution, while Odin Bailey operated with intent between the lines. Blackpool, meanwhile, adopted a pragmatic approach, packing men behind the ball and relying on the industry of CJ Hamilton—twice a scorer in their last five outings—to pounce on turnovers.

Clear chances were scarce before halftime. Stockport’s best moment arrived in the 38th minute, when Kyle Wootton, scorer of three goals in his last five league appearances, flicked a near-post header just wide following a Bailey corner. Blackpool showed flashes, but a speculative drive from Jordan Rhodes, tamely gathered by goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe, summed up their attacking frustrations.

Turning Point: Olowu’s Moment of Authority

The match’s rhythm shifted decisively just past the hour mark. Stockport won a succession of corners, the crowd growing expectant with each inswinger. When Norwood whipped in a dangerous ball from the right, Olowu timed his run perfectly, rising above Blackpool’s defense to thunder a header beyond Dan Grimshaw. The Nigerian defender wheeled away in celebration, his first league goal sparking jubilation and releasing weeks of tension for the hosts.

Blackpool, stung by the concession, began to chase with greater urgency but found little joy against Stockport’s well-drilled back four. The Tangerines’ best spell followed in the final 20 minutes, with Hamilton and substitute Owen Dale each forcing saves, but they found no way through. The closest they came was a late scramble in the 87th minute, when Hinchliffe—ever reliable—dived low to smother a loose ball, ensuring Stockport’s lead survived the tense closing stages.

Context and What It Means

For Stockport County, Saturday’s win is a timely reaffirmation. After a five-match stretch blending promise and frustration—victories at Huddersfield and Rotherham, draws against Reading and Cardiff, and that EFL Trophy loss—the club now sits seventh in the League One table with 19 points from 11 matches. The result maintains their proximity to the playoff positions, and with contributions now coming from beyond their regular scorers, manager Dave Challinor will feel the squad’s depth is beginning to tell.

Blackpool, by contrast, are entwined in the early relegation struggle. After the initial hope of a 5-0 EFL Trophy rout of Barrow in mid-September and a tight win over Barnsley, Neil Critchley’s side has slipped into worrying form—just two points from their last four league matches, and sitting 23rd in the standings with eight points. The Tangerines have managed only two league wins in 11 attempts, a record that underscores the scale of the challenge ahead.

While recent head-to-head matchups between Stockport and Blackpool have been rare—reflecting the two clubs’ divergent recent histories—Saturday’s contest could prove symbolic if Stockport sustain their charge up the table, while Blackpool mustered little to suggest easy remedies for their struggles.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, Stockport County will aim to cement their playoff credentials, buoyed by the emerging chemistry between Wootton, Norwood, and Bailey—and now Olowu’s timely intervention from defense. The next stretch of fixtures offers the chance to build momentum, but also presents a test of consistency against sides equally hungry for promotion.

For Blackpool, the sense of urgency is mounting. With the season’s first quarter now in the books, Critchley faces the dual task of steadying his defense and kindling a spark in attack. A prolonged stay in the relegation zone would invite unwelcome pressures on and off the pitch; a course correction must begin swiftly if Blackpool are to avoid being cast adrift.

On a cool October afternoon at Edgeley Park, fine margins made all the difference. For Stockport, the upward trajectory continues. For Blackpool, the road grows ever more daunting.