PREVIEW: NOTTINGHAM FOREST (A)

28 December 2021

All you need to know ahead of Thursday night’s game

- Nottingham Forest vs Huddersfield Town preview
- Pay on the Day NOT available
- Listen on iFollow HTAFC

Huddersfield Town are back on the road on Thursday 30 December 2021 when they travel to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest; 7:45pm kick off.

Town go into Thursday’s game looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Blackpool on Boxing Day.

Nottingham Forest come into the game looking to put Boxing Day behind them, having been beaten 2-0 away by Middlesbrough.

THE OPPOSITION

Nottingham Forest will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome the Terriers to City Ground on Thursday.

Managed by Steve Cooper, the Reds were in the midst of a good run up until Boxing Day, having not a lost a game in nine.

However, they are still unbeaten at home in their last five, including three wins against Preston North End, Peterborough United, and Hull City.

The Reds currently occupy the ninth spot in the Sky Bet Championship table with 34 points.

ONES TO WATCH

SCOTT MCKENNA

Having started every Championship game this season, McKenna offers solidity in the defence. The central defender has contributed to six clean sheets, with four of these coming in the last seven games. The 25-year-old joined Forest from Aberdeen at the beginning of the 2021/22 season and made his debut for the Reds against Huddersfield Town in September 2020.

JOE WORRALL

The 24-year-old signed with Nottingham Forest as a 14-year-old in October loan spells. After working his way through the ranks, and a successful one-month loan with Dagenham & Redbridge, the centre back made his First Team debut for Nottingham Forest against Reading in October 2016. The start of the current campaign saw him struggle with a calf injury, but since his return Worrall has made 20 appearances.

BRENNAN JOHNSON

Johnson joined the Forest Academy when he was just eight years old, working his way through the ranks, to make his professional debut for the Club aged 18. So far this season, the 20-year-old has made appearances in every game, scoring five goals and assisting a further five goals for his team. The winger has also earned six caps for Wales since making his senior international debut in November 2020.

TEAM NEWS

Town Head Coach Carlos Corberán will provide an update on the fitness of his squad during his virtual press conference on Wednesday 29 December 2021.

KIT

Town will be wearing their navy away kit for the game at the City Ground.

CLICK HERE to buy yours!

TICKETS

There is NO pay on the day available at the City Ground.

Tickets are now also off sale ONLINE.

Therefore, any supporters wanting to attend Thursday’s game will need to buy their ticket either from the Ticket Office or over the phone by 3pm on Wednesday 29 December 2021.

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 into the ground.

CLICK HERE to hear more about this courtesy of our hosts, Nottingham Forest.

SKY SPORTS

Thursday’s fixture has been selected for live broadcast by Sky Sports.

Unfortunately, this means that the game won’t be available to watch via iFollow HTAFC.

However, fans will still be able to listen!

HOW TO LISTEN

If you’re unable to attend the game, or don’t have Sky Sports, you’ll be able to listen along to Thursday’s game via iFollow HTAFC!

Town fans will be able to listen to Thursday’s game through our live audio commentary by purchasing either a Monthly or Audio Match Pass to tune in live. You can purchase a UK Season Pass for £45, Monthly Pass for £4.49 and an Audio Match Pass for £2.50.

CLICK HERE to sign up to iFollow HTAFC!

Match Reports

REPORT: FOREST 0-1 TOWN

30 December 2021

Town win away from home

- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Huddersfield Town
- Third consecutive Sky Bet Championship win
- Duane Holmes on the scoresheet

Huddersfield Town made it three consecutive Sky Bet Championship wins as they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Thursday evening.

An end-to-end game throughout, Duane Holmes’ first half strike, combined with Town’s impressive defence, was enough to seal their third competitive win in a row since the start of 2017/18.

It was almost the perfect start for Town, with Sorba Thomas hitting the woodwork within the opening minute! Scott High fed the Welshman the ball, who tired his luck from 25-yards out.

The game settled instantly after, with both teams moving the ball with real purpose.

The first yellow card of the game came in the 14th minute of play, as Holmes was booked for a late challenge in midfield.

Forest’s first chance of the game came moments later, with Philip Zinckernagel hitting a drive from range. Thankfully, Lee Nicholls was on hand to gather it.

Lewis O’Brien was the next Terrier to try his luck from distance following some good work from Harry Toffolo and Jordan Rhodes, but saw his strike go over the bar.

The deadlock was broken as the clock hit the half hour mark, courtesy of Town! Toffolo was there to bag his fourth assists in as many matches, with his driven ball finding Holmes, who blasted it home from close range!

Zinckernagel had a huge chance to get the hosts an equaliser 10 minutes later. Thankfully, his shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced back into play, rather than over the line!

Nicholls provided a HUGE save in the 44th minute of play to deny Forest. The ball broke to Forest in the box, but our ‘keeper saved from almost point-blank range!

The first chance of the second half fell to the visitors. A strong run from Zinckernagel saw him into the area, but his left footed drive was saved well by Nicholls, who got down sharply to his right.

Town had a big chance to get their second in the 50th minute. Some great work from Jordan Rhodes saw him win the ball back and play in Sinani, who only had Brice Samba to beat, but he fired his effort well over.

A huge run from O’Brien followed moments later, with Samba showcasing an excellent save to deny our Captain.

The hour mark saw the City Ground on its feet as the home fans thought that Brennan Johnson had equalised through a rebound. Fortunately, it was only the side netting, as Nicholls had produced a superb save to deny Xande Silva the original shot.

Following Johnson’s effort, the game settled again for a period. With neither side being able to find the chance they needed to get the ball in the back of the net.

Town’s second booking came in the 77th minute, with Nicholls being shown a yellow for taking too much time over his restart.

Holmes had a half chance at getting his brace moments later, but saw his effort go wide from distance.

Town defended well to see out a nervy end to the game, finishing 2021 with all three Sky Bet Championship points!

Town’s Line-Up (4-3-3)

Lee Nicholls; Harry Toffolo, Levi Colwill, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton; Lewis O’Brien, Scott High, Sorba Thomas Josh Koroma, 68’); Duane Holmes, Danny Ward (Jordan Rhodes, 15‘), Danel Sinani (Pipa, 76’)

Unused Subs

Ryan Schofield; Josh Ruffels, Aaron Rowe, Jon Russell

Town Scorer

Duane Holmes (30’)

Town Bookings

Duane Holmes (14’), Lee Nicholls (78’)