Mark delighted with derby day victory
Mark Robins praised the Terriers' old guard following today’s West Yorkshire derby victory.
Jon Stead and Keith Southern returned to the side to guide the Terriers to victory against rivals Leeds United and Manager Mark Robins said: “In game like this you need players with experience and know how and I thought the pair were outstanding today. Keith and Jonathan Hogg dealt with everything Leeds threw at us, while Steady looked after the ball upfront, linked up nicely with others and grabbed a fantastic winner. He will no doubt be on cloud nine.”
It is the Terriers' first win in six league games and moved Town back up to ninth in the league ahead of the 3pm fixtures.
“We were brilliant today,” Mark said. “We had to win because despite having played well in our last five games, we hadn’t managed a victory.
“We had to start picking points up to keep people believing. Leeds were very physical today and they didn’t allow us to play our passing game, but we have stood firm.
“The game ebbed and flowed before we scored an excellent winner on the break. Scannell (Sean) did superb in the build-up and it was a great touch and finish from Jon Stead. It was important that our performance earned us a result.
“We thoroughly deserved to win,” he added.
On the back of a number of impressive cameos, Duane Holmes was handed his first professional start and Mark was pleased with the 18 year-old's contribution.
“We want to show the young players that there is a pathway and Duane deserved his opportunity today. He proved that he is a talented footballer, but I will keep dipping him in and out of games. He enjoyed the experience and was part of a win against Leeds United.
“There is plenty more to come from Duane.”
Holmes was handed a chance following the exclusions of Martin Paterson and Adam Clayton and Mark explained the reasoning behind his decision.
“My changes have been vindicated because we have won, if it had been the other way then there may have been questions asked,” he said. “I need to make decisions for the good of the football club and that is what I did today. The players are aware of why I left them out.”
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