Town win away from home
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Huddersfield Town
- Third consecutive Sky Bet Championship win
- Duane Holmes on the scoresheet
Huddersfield Town made it three consecutive Sky Bet Championship wins as they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground on Thursday evening.
An end-to-end game throughout, Duane Holmes’ first half strike, combined with Town’s impressive defence, was enough to seal their third competitive win in a row since the start of 2017/18.
It was almost the perfect start for Town, with Sorba Thomas hitting the woodwork within the opening minute! Scott High fed the Welshman the ball, who tired his luck from 25-yards out.
The game settled instantly after, with both teams moving the ball with real purpose.
The first yellow card of the game came in the 14th minute of play, as Holmes was booked for a late challenge in midfield.
Forest’s first chance of the game came moments later, with Philip Zinckernagel hitting a drive from range. Thankfully, Lee Nicholls was on hand to gather it.
Lewis O’Brien was the next Terrier to try his luck from distance following some good work from Harry Toffolo and Jordan Rhodes, but saw his strike go over the bar.
The deadlock was broken as the clock hit the half hour mark, courtesy of Town! Toffolo was there to bag his fourth assists in as many matches, with his driven ball finding Holmes, who blasted it home from close range!
Zinckernagel had a huge chance to get the hosts an equaliser 10 minutes later. Thankfully, his shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced back into play, rather than over the line!
Nicholls provided a HUGE save in the 44th minute of play to deny Forest. The ball broke to Forest in the box, but our ‘keeper saved from almost point-blank range!
The first chance of the second half fell to the visitors. A strong run from Zinckernagel saw him into the area, but his left footed drive was saved well by Nicholls, who got down sharply to his right.
Town had a big chance to get their second in the 50th minute. Some great work from Jordan Rhodes saw him win the ball back and play in Sinani, who only had Brice Samba to beat, but he fired his effort well over.
A huge run from O’Brien followed moments later, with Samba showcasing an excellent save to deny our Captain.
The hour mark saw the City Ground on its feet as the home fans thought that Brennan Johnson had equalised through a rebound. Fortunately, it was only the side netting, as Nicholls had produced a superb save to deny Xande Silva the original shot.
Following Johnson’s effort, the game settled again for a period. With neither side being able to find the chance they needed to get the ball in the back of the net.
Town’s second booking came in the 77th minute, with Nicholls being shown a yellow for taking too much time over his restart.
Holmes had a half chance at getting his brace moments later, but saw his effort go wide from distance.
Town defended well to see out a nervy end to the game, finishing 2021 with all three Sky Bet Championship points!
Town’s Line-Up (4-3-3)
Lee Nicholls; Harry Toffolo, Levi Colwill, Matty Pearson, Ollie Turton; Lewis O’Brien, Scott High, Sorba Thomas Josh Koroma, 68’); Duane Holmes, Danny Ward (Jordan Rhodes, 15‘), Danel Sinani (Pipa, 76’)
Unused Subs
Ryan Schofield; Josh Ruffels, Aaron Rowe, Jon Russell
Town Scorer
Duane Holmes (30’)
Town Bookings
Duane Holmes (14’), Lee Nicholls (78’)
