Manager praises Lolley and Ward
Huddersfield Town Manager Mark Robins praised goal scorers Joe Lolley and Danny Ward following the emphatic 4-1 victory at Watford.
Lolley netted the opener before Ward took control of matters, scoring a hat trick.
Before then though, Alex Smithies had been called upon to keep the Hornets out: “We were excellent from start to finish,” said Mark. “We controlled it as best as we could and when called upon Alex has produced some brilliant saves.
“The first half was a little bit cagey, but we were definitely worth the win on our second half display,” Mark continued. “I’m delighted for Danny Ward and it was good to see Joe (Lolley) perform well and score his first goal. It was a good game to come into and I thought he was outstanding considering it was his first start at this level. Overall, I am very pleased.”
On Joe, Mark said: “He has struggled with injuries since signing from Kidderminster and he has got some work to do physically to get himself up to speed. I wanted to see how he would cope and he performed very well.
“It is a pointer to our future. I wanted to get him in before today, but you have to remember that he has risen eight leagues in 18 months. Because of the difference in standard he has found the transition difficult. He has had a few cameo roles, but he has shown today how capable he is.”
Ward’s treble was his first for Huddersfield Town and helped the Terriers record their biggest away win of the season.
“I have said for a long time that Danny gets himself in brilliant positions, but he doesn’t always convert," Mark said. "In training he does, so we know that he has the ability. People see him as a winger, but as a youngster he played through the centre and did well. I believe he is better through the middle, he can sometimes get isolated on the wing.
On the attacker’s contract, Mark said: “There is scope to do something and we will have a conversation early next week. He hasn’t done his chances any harm.”
Town’s midfield trio were key to the Terriers ability to control the match and Mark felt that their performances were excellent:” We have used Adam Clayton in a deeper role for much of the season, but I know that he is as good, if not better, when he is closer to the oppositions’ goal. Both Jonathan (Hogg) and Oliver (Norwood) looked comfortable in deeper roles and I think the change in dynamic worked.”
Looking ahead, Mark said: “We have got a couple of issues to deal with in terms of the players that are out of contract, but also the recruitment process will kick into gear in a couple weeks.”
