Huddersfield Town

After persevering to get back on level terms in the 86th minute through substitute Jon Stead, an error in judgement cost the Terriers deep into second-half added time, with the visitors running out 2-1 winners.

“We should have got a point from today. It was a tough game against a very competitive side that has spent money, but my players worked ever so hard,” Chris told htafc.com.

“We made changes and got back into the game; two of the subs combined for our goal. We should then be looking to take at least a point after a difficult game – that would have been good for us to build on.”

Stead was on the pitch early in the game due to a calf injury sustained by James Vaughan and Powell was pleased with what he saw from the substitute. 

“If you come on and score, you’ve almost done your job and Jon (Stead) has done exactly that. I’ve found him really good this week – a real Championship striker. We want to see that on the pitch. 

“Sadly we will now miss James, although I don’t know for how long. That’s disappointing. We want to keep him on the pitch because he’s a threat – he got in some good situations today, such as the one vs one that ended up with the challenge on the ‘keeper.”

Boro’s winning goal came from the penalty spot after defender Tommy Smith visibly tugged the shirt of opposition winger Adam Reach, who was running towards the touchline.  

“It was a penalty. Tommy (Smith) is a good young player I’m getting to know and he has some good qualities – I’ve liked what I’ve seen – but he’s inexperienced and you can’t do things like that. There was no danger; the ball was going away from goal. He’ll learn from that. 

“It’s a cheap way to give Middlesbrough the three points when really we should be sharing the spoils. We shouldn’t be talking about a defeat.”

Town’s next game comes quickly when Wigan Athletic visit the John Smith’s Stadium on Tuesday night, with Chris admitting there is work to be done to his team.

“We now have to bounce back quickly before we’re at home to Wigan in 72 hours’ time; that’s all we can focus on now.

“I’m not going to dance around it – there is work to do. We need to learn about the Championship pretty quickly, so that in games like today you take a point if it’s not quite happening for you. At times, you have to take a point and go again. 

“We need to improve, that’s very obvious, but there are 40 games to go – that’s a lot of points at stake. I’m going to make sure we work as hard as we can to start creating chances and get the points on board.”

Chris finished by thanking Town fans for the reception they gave him on his managerial debut for the Club:  

“I was very pleased to lead Huddersfield Town, but it was more about the game today – not me. It’s about the team. Of course I’m grateful for the support everyone has given me since I’ve come up and for the reception I received today – and I will work hard so it can continue. 

“The fans must know that I will keep working as hard as I can to get the side right in order to get us wins and points.”