Midfielder delighted with 3-1 win at Sheff Wed
Adam Clayton believes that the opening 30 minutes of the 3-1 Yorkshire derby win at Sheffield Wednesday this evening featured Town’s best football of the season so far.
The midfielder admitted that the squad was thrilled with the result, ground out against a tough opponent at Hillsborough, which has elevated Town into the Play-Off zone, albeit early in the season.
“The lads are buzzing to get the win in a local derby – the changing room is bouncing. It was a good win as well – we had to dig in and do what was needed,” the former Manchester City trainee told htafc.com.
“To score two goals so early on was a perfect start and I thought it was just what we deserved. I think the opening half hour could have been the best we’ve played. Jack did well for the penalty and I’m delighted Novak got the header, because he’s been threatening to do that for ages – he’s banging them in during training. He’s been on fire and hopefully that will get him started, because he can get some goals.”
Despite the impressive opening salvo, Town had to stay strong against a physically powerful Owls side.
“I think they are the biggest team I’ve ever seen; I realised in the tunnel before the game that the left back playing against me was a big one! They can play a bit too though – they have some good players – and I think they will do quite well in the League. They put us under a lot of pressure, but we got the win.”
Clayton netted his second goal in Town colours with just over 20 minutes left – this time from the penalty spot – and was delighted to convert the spot-kick.
“The Gaffer has said I’m the best penalty taker at the Club, so I had to get on it,” Clayton joked as Manager Simon Grayson walked past the interview room. “I knew I wanted the penalty after not taking the one at Ipswich, so I made sure I got on it.”
The 23 year-old kept his composure from 12 yards despite a massive knock to the head that shook him up for a spell of the first half, requiring attention from Physio James Haycock.
“It was a weird sensation; I kind of lost my centre of gravity. I can’t describe it any better than that, only to say that I didn’t know what was going on! Thankfully it passed and hopefully it doesn’t come back!”
The games don’t get any easier for the Terriers, with a Monday trip to second-placed Blackpool next up.
“We’re unbeaten in five and I think we were unlucky to lose at Cardiff before that too. We’re doing well and we want to keep it going,” Adam continued.
“We’re looking forward to every game in this League. It’s new for some of our lads and they’re excited to play in these games – that’s why you get promoted. The expectations on us aren’t as big as some other clubs and we are really enjoying ourselves.”
The midfielder reserved his final words for the Town fans that made the journey to S1 this evening.
“We had some brilliant support tonight – our fans really got behind us. They do in every game though."
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