Terriers kicked off pre-season with a win
- Huddersfield Town begin pre-season with 1-0 victory
- First minutes in the tank for Carlos’ side
- Josh Koroma on the scoresheet
Huddersfield Town began pre-season with a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town at Canalside on Saturday afternoon.
Josh Koroma’s first half goal was the difference between the two sides at the full-time whistle.
Carlos Corberán named a different side for each half, with the aim of building up match fitness whilst trying out new tactics and systems ahead of the 2021/22 Championship season.
The Terriers began with the intention of breaking down the wings, and it didn’t take long for the pace of the wingers to cause problems for the visitors.
First, Duane Holmes was in down the right side, although whilst under pressure from his marker could not direct his strike on target.
Then with 13 minutes on the clock, a chance down the opposite saw Town take the lead with their first goal of pre-season.
Jonathan Hogg unleashed Josh Koroma with an excellent lofted pass, and with Mark Oxley bearing down the winger kept his composure, chipping the goalkeeper first-time for 1-0.
After the opening goal, whilst Town were able to control the game with long spells of possession, the physicality of their opponents made it difficult to add to the lead.
Harrogate carved out some chances of their own before the break, however Lee Nicholls, making his first start for the Club since signing, dealt with anything that came his way in the first half, including an impressive low dive to tip a trialist’s shot around the post.
Again, with a completely different outfield line-up, the Terriers took the initiative and dominated the ball, however the Harrogate block was difficult to overcome.
Josh Ruffels was dangerous down the left wing for Town, and early on in the half came close to doubling the lead when his low header was tipped wide.
The best chance for Carlos’ side to add a second though came in 77th minute, when Sorba Thomas floated a free kick into the box, and with a final touch on it from Jordan Rhodes, the ball cannoned back off the crossbar.
Harrogate pushed on with minutes left on the clock, looking to snatch an equaliser after riding out the Town pressure earlier in the half, but once again Nicholls stood in the way, catching a late goal bound George Thompson volley.
Holding out for the win was no less than the Terriers deserved, and with first minutes in the tank for Carlos’ side, they will look to build on the result when they travel to Southport FC on Saturday 17 July 2021; 3pm kick-off.
Huddersfield Town (4-3-3)
First half XI: Lee Nicholls; Harry Toffolo, Matty Pearson, Naby Sarr, Ollie Turton; Jonathan Hogg (c), Lewis O’Brien, Reece Brown; Josh Koroma, Fraizer Campbell, Duane Holmes
Second half XI: Lee Nicholls; Josh Ruffels, Levi Colwill, Romoney Crichlow, Rarmani Edmonds-Green; Alex Vallejo, Matty Daly, Scott High; Sorba Thomas, Jordan Rhodes, Danny Ward
Scorer
Josh Koroma 13’
