PREVIEW: BLACKPOOL (H)

23 December 2021

All you need to know ahead of Sunday’s game

- Huddersfield Town vs Blackpool preview
- Tickets still available
- Watch on iFollow HTAFC

It’s almost time for some Boxing Day football! Huddersfield Town are back in action on Sunday 26 December 2021 when they welcome Blackpool to the John Smith’s Stadium; 3pm kick off.

Town will be looking to build on their 3-2 victory away at Bristol City when they take on Blackpool on Boxing Day.

Blackpool come into the game off the back of a victory of their own, a 3-1 home win against Peterborough United.

THE OPPOSITION

Blackpool are enjoying their first season back in the Championship after achieving promotion via the League One Play-Off Final in May 2021.

Managed by Neil Critchley, Blackpool sit 13th in the Championship table, five points outside the Play-Offs.

The Tangerines won their first game in seven last time out against Peterborough, with late goals from Sonny Carey and Jerry Yates helping them to the three points.

Town got the better of Sunday’s visitors in their reverse fixture at Bloomfield Road, meaning Blackpool will be out for revenge as they look to build on last week's win.

ONES TO WATCH

MARVIN EKPITETA

Ekpiteta joined Blackpool from Leyton Orient ahead of the 2020/21 season, putting pen-to-paper on a two-year contract. He scored his first goal for the Club in a 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic in January 2021. The defender’s first season with the Tangerines saw him make 26 appearances, scoring two goals and bagging three assists in the process. So far this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net once in 20 appearances.

KENNY DOUGALL

The midfielder signed for the Tangerines from Barnsley ahead of the 2020/21 season. His first season saw the 28-year-old score four goals and bag one assist in 40 appearances across all appearances. His third and fourth goals for Blackpool were pivotal, securing their 2-1 Play-Off Final win over Lincoln City. The current campaign has seen Dougall make 20 appearances so far, whilst still searching for his first goal of the season.

JAMES HUSBAND

A familiar face to some Town fans, the 27-year-old initially joined Blackpool on a season-long loan ahead of the 2019/20 season. His loan spell didn’t get off to the best start, with him receiving a straight red card in his second appearance! However, Husband went on to sign a permanent deal with the Tangerines in January 2020. The 2021/22 season has seen the left back score once and bag one assists in 18 appearances so far.

TEAM NEWS

Town Head Coach Carlos Corberan provided an update on the fitness of his squad during his virtual press conference on Thursday 23 December 2021.

KIT

Town will be back in our famous blue and white stripes on Sunday!

CLICK HERE to buy yours.

HOW TO WATCH

Tickets are on sale online now – CLICK HERE – and are available from the Ticket Office.

Adults - £25
65s and over - £20
18s and under - £15
Under-11s - £10

Disabled supporters should pay their relevant price class, with a companion ticket free of charge.

Tickets for wheelchair users are priced at £20, with a companion ticket free of charge.

COVID-19

As per Government and Public Health England guidelines, supporters will now need to either provide proof of their full vaccination status or a negative lateral flow test - taken within 48 hours of kick-off - to gain entry to the match.

CLICK HERE for more information.

CAR PARKING

You can book parking in Town’s Gasworks Street car park for home match days, priced at just £5 per car.

Book your spot by CLICKING HERE.

iFOLLOW HTAFC

If you’re unable to attend the game, you’ll be able to watch via iFollow HTAFC.

The match pass will cost £10; CLICK HERE to get yours.

Supporters MUST purchase a match pass before the 3pm kick-off.

Match Reports

REPORT: TOWN 3-2 BLACKPOOL

26 December 2021

Town victorious at home

- Huddersfield Town 3-2 Blackpool
- Back-to-back Sky Bet Championship wins
- Goals from Danny Ward and Sorba Thomas (x2)

Huddersfield Town emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 win over Blackpool at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

An end-to-end game throughout, a second half Sorba Thomas brace saw the scoreline shift in Town’s favour.

The game got off to a flying start, with Blackpool opening the scoring within the opening 60 seconds. Josh Bowler sent a good pass to Jerry Yates, who fired the ball past Lee Nicholls.

Town responded instantly, with Danny Ward getting an equaliser just two minutes later! Town flew up the pitch with Harry Toffolo sending a perfect cross to Wardy, who unleashed a superb header!

Following the Terriers’ goal, the game settled for a period, with both sides flying forward at every opportunity.

The visitors retook their lead in the 18th minute, with Gary Madine nodding home at the back post.

Town came close to finding their second equaliser moments later. Lewis O’Brien saw his shot go wide, and Ward tried to get a touch on it to divert it, but was just unable to reach it on the slide.

Another chance came Town’s way, this time falling to Duane Holmes. Danel Sinani crossed well to Holmes, who took a touch to control it, but saw his effort go well over the bar.

Just moments later, the visitors had a chance to extend their lead. Thankfully, Keshi Anderson’s header went well wide.

Harry Toffolo was booked for dissent in the 33rd minute by the referee, who hadn’t stopped play for an injury to Tom Lees. Following a nine-minute break in play, Town exercised their option to make a concussion substitution, seeing Lees stretchered off.

The fourth minute of 10 added minutes saw Nicholls produce a great save to deny Blackpool their third.

The second half picked up where the first half had left off, with both sides attacking at every given opportunity.

The first half chance of the second period fell Town’s way, but Daniel Grimshaw was positioned well to save Wardy’s header.

Moments later, Holmes found a pocket of space just outside the area, but dragged his shot across goal.

Blackpool were shown a red goal in the 61st minute, as Jordan Gabriel received a second yellow card for an extremely late challenge on O’Brien.

The 64th minute saw second half substitute Jordan Rhodes almost have the perfect start to his introduction as he nodded Town level from a Thomas cross. Unfortunately for the Terriers, the linesman flagged him offside.

Town’s second yellow card of the game fell to Holmes for a late challenge in the 78th minute.

Just minutes later, Town got their equaliser! A superb one-two between Thomas and Rhodes on the edge of the box got the winger in, and he finished superbly on his left foot!

Thomas was at it again four minutes later, giving the Terriers the lead! Sinani delivered from the right, seeing the ball pinball around the box before reaching Thomas, whose brilliant half-volley deflected into the net!

Town saw out six minutes of injury time with some excellent defending to make it back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship.

Town’s Line-Up (3-4-3)

Lee Nicholls; Naby Sarr (Aaron Rowe, 79’), Tom Lees (Ollie Turton, 42’), Matty Pearson; Harry Toffolo, Lewis O’Brien, Scott High (Jordan Rhodes, 58’), Sorba Thomas; Duane Holmes (Josh Koroma, 79’), Danny Ward, Danel Sinani

Unused Subs

Ryan Schofield; Josh Ruffels, Jon Russell