Chris reviews the 2-1 home win over Ipswich Town
Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell was proud of how his players ‘dug deep’ to record a 2-1 home win over promotion-chasing Ipswich.
The Terriers deservedly snapped a seven game winless streak on Easter Monday, with strikers Nahki Wells and James Vaughan netting before a Luke Varney response that eventually proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
“That showed what we are capable of, but we know we haven’t done it enough. When we do things right it shows, as you saw today,” Chris told htafc.com post-match.
“The first-half performance was as good as we have been all season; it was outstanding. Nahki and Vaughany terrorised them, but it was a great all-round performance with Reece James making his home debut and Oscar (Gobern) coming in. We had a good balance.
“We only played 48 hours ago but the energy levels, passion and desire were superb. The turning point for us was Ishmael (Miller) equalising on Saturday. We could have come into this game on a bit of a downer otherwise. I’ve told the players afterwards that result has been coming.
“It wouldn’t be us without a little scare and that put us through it once again. We had to dig in during the second-half, but we did it well as they never really had a shot against Alex. We did very well against a side that is gunning for promotion.”
Going through the team from back to front, Powell broke down what he liked about the win.
“I have to say that Joel Lynch and Mark Hudson were outstanding; not only today, but also on Saturday at Sheffield Wednesday. We’ve spoken about our defensive work a lot and how to manage games at the end to see them out, as we have conceded too many goals late on.
“Our concentration levels have to be better and they were today. We managed the situation well by bringing on David Edgar and then Murray (Wallace).
“Young Reece (James) did really well today too. He’s a good user of the ball and I like the way he defended; he was diligent.
“There was more bite from Conor Coady today, which I wanted from him and he delivered.”
Chris reserved special praise for the recalled Oscar Gobern, who replaced David Edgar in the line-up for his first start since early January.
“When Oscar plays like that, he can change people’s views. I’ve looked at his time here and it’s been tough, but he’s always maintained his levels for me. David Edgar has done well for us away from home when we’ve needed to block things up or screen the defence, but I felt he (Oscar) would give us a bit more going forward today and I felt we needed that at home.
“He did really well; he retained the ball, recycled it well and tackled and won headers. It was a good performance from him, ably abetted by Jacob and Conor.
“I can’t fault anyone today; I’m really proud of how they dug deep. I have some good players, but it comes down to consistency. It’s a tough league that tests you, but we’ve been very good against the better sides here like Brentford, Watford and Norwich. Given that, roll on Derby!”
Powell also praised the ‘12th man’ – Town’s home faithful:
“Our fans were terrific, but I know they want what the players displayed this afternoon. The crowd was right with the team today and it gave our players confidence; the fans have an important role to play. We haven’t given them enough at times, but I’m sure they’ve gone home happy today.
“We always setup to go out there and do that, but we’ve not performed too often from my liking. We need to step forward and do what we’re good at, like we have today. That’s something we have to improve upon moving forward.”
The Terriers have five games remaining in the 2014/15 Sky Bet Championship season now – the next comes at Nottingham Forest on Saturday – and although Powell says he wants to give some of the Development Squad players more game time, he still wants to secure the Club’s divisional status.
Chris continued: “We’ve got five games left and that has given us a bit more breathing space, but I’ll only be happy when we’re 100% safe. Hopefully Jonathan Hogg and Harry Bunn will be back in soon too.
“I had young Duane (Holmes) on the bench today and he’s one of a few lads I’d like to see out there, but it’s hard; we have to be professional and make sure we have the points that we need. It would be nice to get one or two out there to experience what it is like to play at the John Smith’s or to travel away. I want to get them involved – but not quite yet.”
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