Huddersfield Town

The young Terriers played well as they overcame Hartlepool United at a chilly Victoria Park and Lillis admitted post-match that he felt the players adapted well to their surroundings.

“I’m really pleased. The first and third goals were magnificent and the second goal came from a different route. We try to get the lads to play the right kind of football but sometimes you have to mix it up and that’s how we try to educate the boys,” Mark told the Club’s official website.

“Credit to Tony (Carss) and Frankie (Bunn); Nick Colgan and all the staff. I thought the preparation was excellent today. Hartlepool aren’t a bad side, but we got the early goal and pressed the ball well.

“The goal tonight was to get through to the next round without extra time or penalties. We’ve got the job done with a good, professional performance.”

Mark was also pleased with the support his young side received up in the North East.

“It was great to see Simon Grayson and his staff here tonight, along with Nigel Clibbens and Ross Wilson. That’s a big plus for me, because some of those players can plant seeds in the Manager’s heads.”

As always Lillis believes his team can still improve, as he explained: 

“We’re actually disappointed that we didn’t get more goals in the second half – we thought we became a little bit sloppy. However, you will get that with youngsters as they get tired. Overall though, I thought we were fantastic.”

The draw for the Fourth Round takes place on Friday lunchtime and Lillis will be happy with whatever fate is bestowed upon his side:

“We’ll take things as they come. Perhaps it would be nice to get a home game so our fans can see the lads in action. We’ve had a few people travel tonight and I’d like to thank them for their support.”