Huddersfield Town

With the score at 1-1 as Nahki Wells was shown a second yellow card in the 51st minute, Town showed great resilience and organisation to run out as winners.

“That was quite easily our best away performance of the season, certainly. I’m a Londoner, but today I’m proud to be an adopted Yorkshireman! It’s a great way to start a tough week,” Chris told htafc.com post-match.

“It’s a very proud moment today because what could have gone against us did. The players really grew up today. At half-time I told them there was a game to be won, but they also had to handle the circumstances. Even though we went down to 10 men, my team just kept going and for us to do what we did is just fantastic for my players – and especially for our travelling support.

“I’m from London and I know what it’s like at Millwall being an ex-Charlton player and manager – it’s tough. Being kind, you could say they give you a little bit of stick! However, you have to be brave. 

“I liked the tenacity and energy from the players; they stood up for themselves. I thought Mark Hudson was excellent against a tough customer in (Stefan) Maeirhofer alongside Murray Wallace; our entire defence was good. We worked on what to expect from Thursday in that regard. 

“We were positive. I knew we should go with two strikers and with ‘Bunny’ in the hole, although it was hard to get him in the game. Having said that he hit the bar, just like they did; it was a good game amongst everything that was going on.

“The players stepped up and put on a superlative performance. I’m really pleased with their output and togetherness.” 

Sean Scannell, Jacob Butterfield and James Vaughan netted the goals in the win and Powell was pleased with all three goal-scorers:

“We knew we would get chances. I said to Sean Scannell before the game that he was due a goal or an assist and he delivered today. 

“Jacob Butterfield is such a good player. He’s a real ball-carrier and a good passer. Maybe his goal had a stroke of luck today, but sometimes you have to take the chance and shoot at goal.

“Harry Bunn’s piece of skill to win the penalty was excellent. I was a bit disappointed for him as he wanted to take it, but good luck with James Vaughan on the pitch!

“Vaughany led from the front. Sometimes he doesn’t get the credit that he should, but he panicked (Jimmy) Abdou into the mistake for our second goal and some of his hold-up play when we were down to 10 men – chesting it down, bringing others into play and buying fouls – was really pleasing. That’s hard enough with 11 men. It was really positive stuff from him; he was also due a goal and he got it!”

Powell was also pleased to have some of the Club’s youngsters in the match day squad, with Development Squad defenders Joe Wright and Joe Wilkinson making their first appearances on the bench.

“As I’ve said before, we’re not lighter – we’re a tighter group. We want to give young players a chance and we had some of them on the bench today in Joe Wright and Joe Wilkinson, with Phil Billing and Duane Holmes in the squad too – what an experience for them today! I’ll put my trust in them and hope they step up.”

The only downside from the win was the red card for Wells, who will now miss Tuesday night’s home game against Wolves.

Chris explained: “Nahki is enthusiastic; he wants goals and he wants to play. You can’t take that away from him, because that’s the Nahki Wells we’ve come to know and love. At half-time I told him to watch himself and leave any 50-50s, because you know what can happen. Nahki knew exactly what I meant. I think the second yellow card was ludicrous. 

“I’ve really grown to like Nahki and how he is, as well as what a good goal-scorer he is going to be. It’s a real shame that I’m going to lose him on Tuesday, but I’ve got other lads who want to do well too.”