Graham Mitchell's under-18 side were defeated by Manchester United at Storthes Hall on Saturday, but put in a performance to be proud of during the first-half.
Watched by a bumper crowd of around 300 fans, the young Terriers matched one of the best youth teams in the world for the entire first-half period but succumbed to some clinical finishing in the second 45 minutes.
Mitchell set his side out in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation, with top-scorer Dave Heagney and Danny Barlow both sides of first-year James Spencer and troubled their illustrious counterparts during the first period - creating three good chances for Barlow, Jack Hunt and Chris Atkinson. However, it was United who took the lead in the 41st minute through Federico Macheda.
The Red Devils scored a second in the 49th minute through Nicky Ajose and that goal visibly lifted the confidence of their side. Eventually they ran out 5-0 winners, scoring goals in the 59th, 70th and 75th minutes.
htafc.com caught up with under-18 boss Graham Mitchell and he explained that the scoreline was not a fair reflection of the play on the day.
"For about an hour, we were equal to one of the best youth teams in the World. Manchester United's side included one overage player and was very strong and the lads should take confidence from the fact that we matched them for 60 minutes - I know I will.
"The difference between the two sides was how clinical United were; they took all of their opportunities. Our lads need to learn and aspire to that.
"However, that shouldn't take anything away from the level of our performance, which matched any of our other performances from the current season."
The Academy will be away at Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend; check htafc.com for news on their game!
Huddersfield Town:
Alex Smithies, Dave Pickering (Luke Durham 46), Liam Ridehalgh, Spencer Harris (c), Leigh Franks, Lewis Nightingale (Lewis Collinson 85), Chris Atkinson, Jack Hunt, James Spencer, Dave Heagney, Danny Barlow (Chris Pert 55)
Unused Substitutes: Luke Williams, Adam Bower
Support the Huddersfield Town Academy by opening a Terriers Account with Yorkshire Building Society - click HERE for more information!
