SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0
Town's under-18 side had an unusual midweek game at Sheffield Wednesday in mid February and went down to a goal either side of the half-time interval.
To accommodate playing three games in eight days, manager Graham Mitchell switched his side around but all his best-laid plans were unravelled by a fifth minute penalty awarded for handball.
The result was probably fair on the day, but the young Terriers gained some valuable time on the pitch and could not be faulted for trying to play football in the correct manner.
Town's Team vs. Sheffield Wednesday:
Simon Eastwood, Dave Pickering (Lewis Nightingale 46), Liam Ridehalgh, Spencer Harris, Leigh Franks, Lewis Collinson, Jack Hunt, Luke Durham (Daniel Broadbent 65), David Heagney, Danny Barlow (James Spencer 65), Stephen Brook
Unused Subs: Luke Williams, Daniel Codman
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0
Mitchell's side then returned to Storthes Hall the following Friday in a much-improved performance against the other football club from the Steel City.
The Terriers dominated possession at Town's training ground and should have clinched all three points in this FA Premier Academy League fixture, but spurned two one-on-one opportunities with the United goalkeeper.
Mitchell was particularly pleased with the performance from his side.
"We were defensively very good, especially considering the changes we have made to the starting eleven. The whole performance was much improved from our previous game on the Tuesday evening."
The game was brought forward to the Friday afternoon so that Town's youngsters could travel to Chelsea to watch the first-team squad take on the Premiership giants - an experience that Mitchell felt taught his squad some valuable lessons.
"The way in which Chelsea kept the ball was very impressive but our lads put up a great performance. I'm sure of all our squad enjoyed the day and I hope they all picked up some valuable pointers from the game," Mitchell continued.
Town's Team vs. Sheffield United:
Alex Smithies, Dave Pickering, Daniel Codman, Spencer Harris, Leigh Franks, Lewis Collinson, Lewis Nightingale, Luke Williams (Curtis Roberts 46), James Spencer, Jack Hunt, Tom Jackson
Unused Subs: Danny Barlow, Stephen Brook, Liam Ridehalgh, Luke Durham
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1 SUNDERLAND 2
Town's narrow defeat to Sunderland at Storthes Hall last weekend was a fine example of an excellent football game, with the result being harsh on a Huddersfield side that passed the ball brilliantly throughout.
Midfielder Lewis Collinson (pictured) grabbed his first goal of the season after 20 minutes to give the Terriers the lead, driving home a pass from Jack Hunt from the edge of the box.
Curtis Roberts looked to have extended the lead just before half-time but the Sunderland 'keeper made an excellent save, only for the visitors to go up the other end of the pitch and equalise shortly before the half-time whistle.
Both sides had two or three good chances to win the game in the second-half but it was Sunderland who converted a chance to grab all three points.
"Our lads were a bit disappointed not to be leading at half-time, but I cannot fault them for their effort or their performance throughout as I thought it was a great game and there was some really good passing football from both sides," former Town centre-back Mitchell explained.
Town's Team vs. Sunderland:
Alex Smithies, Jack Hunt, Tom Jackson, Daniel Codman, Leigh Franks, Lewis Collinson, Stephen Brook, Curtis Roberts, James Spencer, Danny Barlow (Luke Durham 75), Liam Ridehalgh
Town's youngsters take on their counterparts from Leeds United in Saturday's game; check htafc.com on Monday for a full match report!
