Chris reviews the 2-0 defeat at Cardiff City
- Chris Powell reviews defeat at Cardiff City
- Manager urges team to take its chances
- Powell admits 'it's a tough time for us all'
Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell admitted that familiar problems afflicted his side during today’s 2-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat at Cardiff City.
The Terriers looked decent in defence for long spells, but failed to properly test Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall despite some presentable openings and eventually fell to defeat thanks to goals from ex-Terrier Anthony Pilkington and Joe Mason.
Chris explained:
“We made a disciplined start in a very good first half, with discipline in defence and some good approach play going forward. We took the game to the home side.
“We keep getting in the final third through crosses and corners, but we’re just not being clinical. The chances are falling for us, but we have to hit the target and work the ‘keeper. You need to make chances count, particularly away from home.
“Sean Scannell had a chance in the first half; Jamie Paterson hit the side netting and they made some good blocks to shots from Harry Bunn and Nahki Wells.
“In the defensive and midfield thirds we are doing everything right and even in the final third we are getting in the areas we want to be in. You need it to go for you, because if it does the other team will open up and we can exploit the space. The longer a game remains 0-0, the harder it becomes for the players as the confidence is suffering.
“You must do the basics as much as you can. Then you add flair and attacking approach play; we’ve been doing that, but you have to make it count.”
Powell handed debuts to Jed Steer, Elliott Ward and Jamie Paterson in making five changes to his side, as he explained:
“I’m sure people looked at Jamie Paterson and Nahki (Wells) and realised they’re not a heavyweight duo, but there was a lot to like about them at times.
“When you have new players, you want them to gel as quickly as they can and to be fair to the players they have got on with it.
“I had to look after Jason Davidson, as he’s had a really tough time of it with the traveling and games, as well as personally; I had to rest him.”
On the game, Powell felt that the decision not to award his side a penalty just before the Bluebirds’ opener was a key moment in the tie when Sean Morrison appeared to trip Harry Bunn:
“Today we went up one and end and should have had a definite penalty for a foul on Harry Bunn; I’ve watched it again, but it wasn’t given. They then went up the other end and punished us and for their first goal, you have to credit the opposition.
“The back four looked quite comfortable and dealt with everything Cardiff threw at it in the main, although perhaps Sammy Ameobi changed things somewhat.
“Their second goal might have looked offside, but it wasn’t. We were trying to chase the game and showed a lack of concentration in that moment, which was punished. The defence wasn’t in line; the players weren’t in the right place and that comes down to lack of concentration. Putting your arm up for offside is the easy way out; you have to see the play out until the referee stops the game. I don’t like that and we shouldn’t do it.
“That keeps happening, which is tough. A lot of things are going against us, but to be fair to the players they are going out and playing their football. They listen to me, cajole one another and are doing most things right with regards to performance. However, I’d rather it all go wrong and we win 1-0.”
Now Powell and the squad must deal with the quick turnaround ahead of Tuesday night’s game at Charlton Athletic.
Powell concluded:
“Now I have to pick them up again. It’s a tough time for us all. Three draws and three losses is not the ideal start for us, at all, but we have to look to make it turn in our favour. I know how football is and the next two games – at Charlton and at home to Bolton – are massive for us. We’ve got to do our best to get out of the run we’re in.”
