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Match Previews

BEN MIDGLEY EXCITED FOR 2021/22

31 August 2021

Midfielder ready for first season back from injury

- Ben Midgley discusses aims for the new season
- Midfielder excited for competitive games
- B Team face Burnley on Wednesday 1 September 2021

Huddersfield Town B Team midfielder Ben Midgley is raring to go in his first season back from injury.

Last season, an injury saw Midgley ruled out for eight months, before gaining his first minutes back as the season drew to a close.

Speaking to htafc.com, the 18-year-old can’t wait to push on.

“I’m very excited!

“Last season I got injured very early on in pre-season and that ruled me out for basically the rest of the season.

“This season I came back, it was a hard pre-season – lots of running, we didn’t really get on the balls a lot – so that got everyone fit, especially me.

“I was happy to get a full pre-season in, get my fitness up, and now start the season.

“Oxford United was our first big game and I thought the boys were excellent.

“I’m really looking forward to this season because we’ve got plenty of games to look forward to, especially in the Premier League Cup where we’re playing for points.

“It should be a really competitive season.”

The midfielder’s work ethic has seen him make the step up to the B Team, a squad he enjoys playing alongside.

“It’s really good standards.

“You’ve got lads from the First Team dropping in who are coming back from injury, so they help you a lot.

“There’s always a good vibe around the place and the standard is excellent.

“Everyone wants to push each other, there’s no animosity around the place, everyone wants each other to do well and to see each other break into the First Team.

“I’m really enjoying it and I’m enjoying the game time that I’m getting.”

The youngster also took the time to discuss his aims and ambitions for the season.

“Cementing my place in the B Team.

“Like I said, there’s lots of competition, the B Team is full of great players.

“I think the fans will see that when more of them are pushing into the First Team and getting game time.

“I want to get a new contract as well, that is the ultimate aim.”

The B Team are back in action on Wednesday 1 September 2021, when they travel to take on Burnley, a game which Midgley says will be tough.

“I expect it to be really physical and aggressive, but that’s nothing that we haven’t faced before.

“We played them in the Clarets Cup at the end of last season, so we kind of got a taster.

“We don’t need to worry about them too much, we need to focus on our own game and what we can do.

“The game will be tough, but as a team we’re good enough to look at their strengths and find a way to break them down.”

You’ll be able to find live match updates over on official Academy Twitter account; @htafcacademy.

Match Reports

REPORT: BURNLEY 2-0 TOWN B

1 September 2021

Young Terriers beaten at Barnfield Training Centre

- Town B beaten 2-0 by Burnley
- First minutes back from injury for First Team’s Josh Ruffels
- Rolando Aarons also picked up minutes

Josh Ruffels returned to footballing action as Huddersfield Town’s B Team fell to a 2-0 defeat against Burnley at their Barnfield Training Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

The left back played a planned 45 minutes as he regained some match fitness after recovering from COVID-19.

Despite Town holding possession well, two first half goals sealed the victory for Burnley.

The hosts took the lead in the fifth minute of action, with Lewis Richardson drilling a low shot past Nicholas Bilokapic.

The Young Terriers had their first chance to get back into the game, with some good play between Jaheim Headley and Rolando Aarons seeing the later send an effort towards Burnley’s ‘keeper. Unfortunately, he was able to scoop it up.

Burnley took back possession not long after, and Bilokapic showcased two excellent back-to-back saves to give the scoreline level.

Kian Harratt was determined to find himself a goal. He broke through a sea of Burnley players as he headed towards the goal, but saw his eventual shot blocked by the legs of a Clarets defender.

Jon Russell was the next Town player to come close to finding an equaliser. He reached highest to latch onto a Ben Midgley corner, but just tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The second, and last, goal of the game fell to Burnley in the 42nd minute with Jacob Bedeau nodding a corner past Bilokapic.

The Young Terriers started the second half brightly, with Myles Bright providing Town’s best chance of the game. He sent a powerful shot goalbound, which the hosts’ ‘keeper did well to tip over the crossbar.

Burnley’s second half substitute Joe McGlynn threatened the scoreline on several occasions, but Bilokapic was quick to deny him.

As the clock continued to count down, Harratt had a final attempt to bring Town back into the game, but saw his effort go over the bar.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the Young Terriers, whose attentions now turn to Stockport County on Tuesday 7 September 2021.

Town B’s line-up (3-4-3)

Nicholas Bilokapic; Josh Austerfield (c), Ben Midgley, Nasim Kherbouche; Jaheim Headley (Shane Maroodza, 73’), Josh Ruffels (Myles Bright, 46’), Jon Russell, Brahima Diarra; Abdul Abdulmalik (Connor Shanks, 66’), Kian Harratt, Rolando Aarons (Etienne Camara, 59’)

Unused Subs

Michael Acquah; David Adewoju, Donay O’Brien-Brady