Huddersfield Town

“It was probably a fair result on the balance of play,” said Steve. “Despite that, we took the lead twice and managed to get within four minutes of the three points, so it is a little disappointing. 

“I thought we could have relived pressure a little bit better towards the end of the game, but we didn’t, and we were punished. Overall, I thought we were good, hardworking and organised.

“We were dealing with pressure during the final stages, but we never really got out from our own 18 yard box. We needed to play forward more and play a little bit longer to have allowed ourselves a breather. A mistake cost us for the second goal, but we had a very young back five – the youngest that we have been this season. There were two players in the back five making their debuts so there is a lot to be pleased and proud about. I just think we could have taken care of the result more and we would have got our just deserts.

“Both of our goals were very well taken," he continued. "I am delighted for Max Leonard, who has upped his fitness levels in the last couple of weeks and he combined well with Matt Crooks for the first goal, after a fantastic through ball by Scott Kay. Max then managed to get his first goal of the season simply down to endeavour. Hopefully he will take that performance forward over the next couple of games.”

The under-21s were missing a number of players due to injury and Steve gave an update on their current fitness. 

Connor Loftus has got a back spasm and he will be out for a few more weeks. Lloyd Allinson has got a stiff knee and he will probably be out for another week. Also, for the first time this season, we haven’t been topped up with first team professionals because we are thin to the ground at senior level. We are here for our own development and to support the first team and we are happy with the way that things are going.