Leyton Orient grabbed a precious 2-1 win at Edgeley Park to extend their lead at the top to five points.
Orient came from a goal behind courtesy of goals from two unlikely scorers, midfielder Darren Pratley and defender Omar Beckles.
The home side took the lead early on as Paddy Madden laid off Myles Hippolyte who slotted past Lawrence Vigoroux.
But the lead lasted all of 15 minutes as a long throw was flicked on by Beckles and headed home by Prattley from 12 yards.
O’s boss Wellens was watching on from the stands as he recovered.from illness and was treated to an entertaining contest between two high quality sides.
The scores were level until midway through the second half when an Archibald corner came out to El Mizouni who released a strike from 25 yards out. Hatter’s keeper Ben Hinchcliffe managed to push it onto the post but the rebound fell kindly to Beckles who thumped home on the half volley to send the travelling fans berserk.
Despite some late pressure from the hosts, the visitors managed to hold on to gain three vital points.
Due to Stevenage’s draw away at Grimsby, Orient’s lead at the top is now five points as they enjoy a break next week after being knocked out of the FA Cup.
Orient ended Stockport’s 5 game unbeaten run as Dave Challinor’s side dropped to 14th and are now six points off the playoffs.
Stockport travel down south to face Charlton in the FA Cup second round next week in what will be a tough game for the Greater Manchester outfit.
Leyton Orient return to league action in two weeks time as they host Mark Hughes’ Bradford at Brisbane Road.