Simon: “The dressing room is buoyant”
Simon Grayson told htafc.com that he was delighted with his team’s performance after they recorded their first away win of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Terriers took an early two goal lead before Reda Johnson pulled one back for the home team, and after both teams had a man sent off, Adam Clayton sealed the victory from the spot.
It was a fierce Yorkshire derby with the referee showing eight cards in total and Simon was pleased that his players stood up to the test.
“We competed excellently tonight but also passed the ball well and caused them problems,” said Grayson.
“You have to stand up and be counted against Sheffield Wednesday – and we certainly did tonight. We dealt superbly with everything they threw at us and then played like we want to when we had the ball. I am delighted that we have come to a very difficult place, withstood a lot of pressure and come away with three points.
He continued: “I thought the midfielders played very well and that Danny Ward was a constant threat down the left wing. ‘Vaughny’ worked his socks off up top and although he played on his own for much of the game he was certainly a handful for their defence. It was a great header from Lee Novak for his goal and I think the players are realising that they have to be patient to get a chance in the team. Lee didn’t play against Derby but came back in tonight and took his opportunity; sadly we had to substitute him for the sending off.”
Joel Lynch was the recipient of the red card for a lunge on Michail Antonio and Simon felt that the Welshman had been hard done by.
“I think it was harsh,” he said. “Joel made a sliding tackle and caught the lad but he hasn’t caught him with a two footed lunge, it was his trailing leg. I was expecting him to receive a yellow card but to see him get red was disappointing. It may be something that we look to appeal but we will have to review the footage. It was certainly an entertaining game for the referee!”
Town controlled the game for large parts in the second 45 – one of many pleasing aspects for Town’s manager.
“The players’ man-management of their own game is fantastic at the moment. When I came to the Club last year the players were a little naïve, but they are learning all the time. We played one or two many short passes and could have been more positive in the second-half; we gave them an opportunity to counter attack on one or two occasions. That is me being a little bit picky with the players because we have a very buoyant dressing room at the moment and there is fantastic spirit in the team.”
Town have now missed two penalties already this season – a matter Simon is leaving to the players to sort.
“They have been arguing left right and centre about who will be taking the penalties; I didn’t watch the last two but watched Adam’s so I will have to continue watching for now! It is good that we are getting in positions where we can win penalties and put defenders on the back foot.”
Lee Novak was introduced back into the side as a result of Adam Hammill’s injury and Simon explained how the attacking midfielder is getting on.
“Adam is struggling with his knee after the weekend and will probably miss the Blackpool game. I think he took a knock and carried it through the game against Derby, he looks doubtful for next Monday.”
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