Chris reviews the draw with Deportivo de La Coruna
- Chris Powell happy with defensive improvement vs Deportivo de La Coruna
- Powell comments on performances of Jason Davidson & Kyle Dempsey
- Chris happy to get minutes for James Vaughan
Huddersfield Town Manager Chris Powell was happy with the pre-season workout that his side received in tonight’s goalless draw with La Liga side Deportivo de La Coruna at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“It was a good game for us tonight, especially after what happened at Rochdale on Saturday,” Chris explained after the final whistle.
“It was a good workout and posed us different questions, which I felt we dealt with in the main. These sides like to keep the ball and play patiently, but I thought we held a good shape. We knew we’d have to be aware of their passing around the edge of our box and I thought we were in the main. Neither Alex Smithies nor Joe Murphy had a real save to make, although Joe did have to gather one header.
“We’ve needed that, so I have to be pleased; it was a really good response to Rochdale, which wasn’t like us. We had a solidity about us all night and, although there were one or two rough edges to smooth, we used the ball well too.
“Although you’d like to win, you can never get too carried away with pre-season results. It’s about trying things, finding things you don’t like and addressing them, which we have done in training.
“We’ve trained really hard and we look stronger and fitter now. Let’s hope we can build on it. The messages are getting through to the players and they will get there. I still think there is more to come and I will demand it.”
Several Town players performed well on the evening, including several of the summer recruits such as Man of the Match Jason Davidson and midfielder Kyle Dempsey.
Chris continued: “It was a good evening all round and gave our fans the chance to see the new players. It is also good for the five new lads to get over the first hurdle of playing at home before the real stuff starts.
“Everyone got on the pitch. We got virtually 90 minutes out of Kyle Dempsey, but I thought it was right to take him off a little early so he could get the ovation he deserved on his first home game.
“Jason Davidson was only down to play 60 minutes, but we got 75 out of him which was really good. I’m really pleased for him, because he wants to do well and he’s very willing. West Brom didn’t really work for him and he wants to make his mark in England. Tonight is something for him to build upon, as he’ll get fitter and stronger.”
The game also featured a first appearance of pre-season for fit-again striker James Vaughan.
“With Hoggy and James Vaughan, it’s about building their minutes up; you can’t just throw them in. Regardless of the training they do, match conditions are completely different.
“It was James’ first 25 minutes tonight and he looked fine – and as spiky as ever! We’ll get some more training into him.”
