REPORT: FOREST 0-2 TOWN
An own goal and a wonder strike from Philip Billing earned Town a first win in four games as David Wagner’s side beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground, ending the hosts' 13 game unbeaten streak in the process.
A low Tommy Smith cross was turned into the by Forest Captain Matt Mills to give Town the lead before Billing scored his first professional goal, smashing the ball past De Vries from over 25 yards out.
Town Head Coach David Wagner made two changes to his starting line-up from the team that lost to Preston the previous weekend. Mark Hudson returned from suspension to replace Martin Cranie, while Karim Matmour replaced the ineligible Jamie Paterson.
After an evenly contested first ten minutes, the Terriers began to dominate and had the first chance of the game. A good flowing move forwards found Nahki Wells; he turned and played in Matmour but Forest defender Jokic got there first and cleared the ball over his own bar for a corner.
Town continued to create chances. Tommy Smith smashed a volley over the bar from 20 yards out after Bunn was well tackled by Mancienne.
Despite Town’s dominance, Forest had a good opportunity on the counter. A lovely piece of skill by Osborn allowed him to run at the Town defence, but Lynch covered well to clear the ball for a corner.
From the resulting set piece David Vaughan picked out Forest Captain Matt Mills but his header was easily caught by Jed Steer.
Just minutes later Town were ahead. Forest’s Captain was involved once again this time turning the ball into his own net after fourteen minutes.
After some beautiful build up play, Lolley squared the ball to Bunn. The 23 year-old turned and played in Tommy Smith down the right. Smith hit a low hard cross into the box which was converted by Mills to give Town the lead.
Following the opening goal, the home side began to get more into the game. A quick throw from Lichaj picked out striker Nelson Oliveira who hit a dipping volley just over the bar.
More chances fell Forest’s way; Tesche put a header wide from a corner before Oliveira’s curling effort whistled just wide from the edge of the area.
However, it was Town who continued to create the best chances to score and could’ve doubled their lead through Karim Matmour. Wells did well down the right, he played it across to Bunn who flicked it over to Matmour. The former Algerian international struck it on the volley, but it was well saved by De Vries.
Town started the second half brightly. Joe Lolley cut in from the right and played the ball to Bunn who was brought down just outside the area.
Former Forest defender, Joel Lynch drove the free-kick towards goal but it bounced off the wall for a corner.
After introducing youngsters Oliver Burke and Jorge Grant in a double sub, the hosts began to enjoy a good period. Two chances fell for Oliveira; a low hard drive from 20 yards was tipped wide before he smashed the ball over from 25 yards out.
Dougie Freedman’s side tried to create more chances but struggled to get past Town’s midfield pairing of Billing and Jonathan Hogg.
Town continued to soak up the Forest pressure and hit the home side on the break. The excellent Lolley collected the ball on the right, cut inside and rattled the side netting with a low effort.
With six minutes left, 19 year-old Dane Billing smashed a 25 yard shot into the top corner to double Town’s lead. The ball broke to the youngster after Harry Bunn was tackled and then regained the ball and he blasted home his first professional goal for Huddersfield Town.
Town had the last chance of the game and could’ve made it three. Matmour was picked out on the edge of the area and his curling effort was tipped just wide by De Vries.
Town’s Team (4-2-3-1):
Jed Steer; James Husband, Joel Lynch, Mark Hudson (c), Tommy Smith; Philip Billing (Dean Whitehead, 88), Jonathan Hogg (Martin Cranie, 90); Joe Lolley, Harry Bunn (Kyle Dempsey, 90), Karim Matmour; Nahki Wells
Unused Subs:
Joe Murphy, Jason Davidson, Elvis Manu, Flo Bojaj
Gate: 19,984
Away: 1,193
