James discussed his winner at Leeds
James Vaughan ranks his ninth goal of the season – the winner in today’s 2-1 victory at Leeds United – as the ‘best of his career’.
The on-loan Norwich man returned from his two game ban to net the winner in the West Yorkshire derby at Elland Road and was delighted to come away with all three points.
“I think it’s probably the biggest goal of my career,” James told htafc.com. “I was in a similar predicament at Palace and I scored a few goals there, but in the present I’m here and I’m fully committed to Huddersfield.
“It’s been a very frustrating time, because I feel quite fit; to miss two games when that’s the case isn’t good. The Manager showed a lot of faith in me today to put me straight back in the team and I’m glad I could repay that.
“This game was massive for us today, and not just because it was a derby – we needed a bit of momentum going into the international break. We didn’t want to be coming off the back of that in bad form and it is massive to come here and win.
“The lads were fantastic; we dug it out, defended brilliantly and showed a lot of character. We’re really happy to get the three points. When you come to a place like this, score and then they equalise it can be deflating but we dug in, rode the storm and came out stronger afterwards.”
Vaughan’s strike – a composed finish out of the reach of ‘keeper Paddy Kenny – came about after a typically buccaneering run forward from right back Jack Hunt.
“Credit has to go to Jack for the goal; with the pass he played, I only had to take a touch and finish it,” Vaughan admitted.
The striker had already rattled the crossbar in the first half with a firm header from a Danny Ward cross.
“I was disappointed with that, because it was a great ball from ‘Wardy’; I should score there. Once that’s gone, I have to forget about it and get my head down and thankfully another chance came along.”
Town fans will enjoy the bragging rights that this win awards them, but Vaughan believes the connotations the points have on Town’s Championship survival are the big factor.
“Leeds being our local rivals gave it a bit of added spice, but we don’t want to lose to anyone – we are a very proud team. To come away from any game losing is not a good feeling, but we showed fight today. Hopefully we can recuperate over the international break and come back strong again afterwards.
“If you look at our team on paper you can see the quality we have and I don’t think many people will be surprised about how we performed today. You look at the people who didn’t come on; both Theo Robinson and Lee Novak are proven goal-scorers and I’m sure they will play massive parts in the run-in.
“I’m sure the teams below us will be aware of what we’ve done today and that will put a bit of added pressure on them, but like I said a few weeks ago we have to just keep doing what we’re doing. Leeds are a great team – they had some fantastic players out there today – but we matched them every step of the way. I thought we deserved it in the end.
“It’s just a case of everything clicking together and if we can keep up that level, I’m sure we’ll be fine for the rest of the season. It’s been a very tough period, because it’s been Saturday-Tuesday games as far back as I can remember, but now it’s about getting our rest in, training hard and being ready for the Hull game.”
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