Huddersfield Town

James Vaughan took his seasonal total to 13 goals at Ashton Gate this afternoon in Town’s 3-1 away win over Bristol City, but was quick to pass the praise onto his strike partner Lee Novak.

The former Gateshead forward marked his return to the team by laying on two of Vaughan’s goals and James, Town’s top scorer this season, was very grateful.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Lee Novak; everyone has seen that he’s put two on a plate for me today and created another couple of chances that I probably should have put away. He was a dream to play with today – he worked really hard and did really well. It was unfortunate he couldn’t get himself a goal,” James told htafc.com.

“’Novy’ is a great lad and a great player. Everyone knows how hard he works every game and he’s brilliant to play with. I was desperate to get him a goal today, but we’ll have to get him one against Barnsley.” 

Vaughan described his trio of goals – the second of his career – as the most important of his career.

“I’ve scored one before at Palace, but this is definitely a very important one for us at this time. As a striker you enjoy every goal and I’m just glad they went in. Their ‘keeper made two great saves off me, but thankfully he couldn’t keep the other two out.” 

The Norwich City loanee has become a key figure for the Terriers this season and explained how playing regular First Team football has helped him stay clear of the injuries that have plagued him throughout his career. 

“I’ve always thought that I would be alright if I could get a run of games. I think in the past my injuries have occurred when I’ve been coming off the bench and not featuring so regularly, but playing so much this season has helped me a lot.

“Whenever I have had a niggle, the medical staff have been absolutely brilliant with me – taking care of me and getting me back within days.” 

Town effectively put the game to bed in the first 20 minutes at Ashton Gate and James explained that a quick start was a big pre-match focus for the Terriers.

“I think in a few games we have started a bit slowly and put ourselves on the back foot, so we knew that was something we needed to address. Thankfully we did that today.”

Despite the win, results elsewhere will have Town watching the late kick-off between Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday with interest. If the Posh fail to win, Town’s Championship status is confirmed for next season.

Vaughan continued: “You never know with this league. We’ve put ourselves in a fantastic position, but there is still a game to go. Hopefully Sheffield Wednesday can do something for us today, but if not we’ll have to do it ourselves this week.”

As well as Novak, Vaughan reserved special praise for the 1,500 Town fans who backed the team to the hilt at Ashton Gate this afternoon.

“In recent weeks – and throughout the season – they have been fantastic. They travel a long way to come and watch us and today we gave them something to cheer. 

“It’s a brilliant club,” he continued. “Everyone has taken me in with open arms here and I’ve tried to do as much as I can for the Club by throwing myself into it and I got my rewards today. The fans and everyone at the Club has been brilliant with me and I want to do my bit in helping the Club reach where it needs to be.”