Defender played in latest Under-19s games against Chorley FC
- Jaheim Headley impressed against Chorley FC
- Defender netted both Town goals
- Under-19s host Fleetwood Town on Wednesday (17 March 2021)
Huddersfield Town Under-19s defender Jaheim Headley has been enjoying a strong season in Town's youth ranks and netted a brace against Chorley FC last Friday evening.
The 19-year-old sealed the Young Terrier’s win in the first half as the side ran out 2-1 winners. Despite some late Chorley pressure, Headley was instrumental in Town's defensive resilience to see out the result against an older and more physical side.
Headley was in good spirits speaking to htafc.com following the victory.
"I'm feeling very happy.
“It was a positive performance from the boys, I think we dug in well against a physical team and we got the result that we wanted.
"I'm so pleased to get on the scoresheet again today.
"I'm always happy to contribute in front of goal because that's something I'm looking to improve in my game, whether it's a cross or a shot in the final third it's all positive, and I'm just really happy that I scored two goals."
The defender felt that Town's formation was effective in overcoming Chorley, and is a system he enjoys playing in.
"It's so important for me to get forward.
“I think when we have three centre backs like that it's effective as it allows the wing backs to push up high and support the attackers.
"I think our system definitely suits the way I play; I love to get forward and help out, whether it's a goal or an assist I just like to be expressive when I'm attacking.
"There's always a risk that we can caught out when pushing up field, but the way we are set up we aren't as vulnerable to a counter attack because we can get bodies behind the ball quickly to adapt to the situation."
As well as shining in attack, Headley demonstrated his defensive capabilities, especially in the final stages of the game. The youngster admitted he was pleased with the way the team saw out their victory against a physical side.
"Chorley’s attack was very direct, their hold up play was good, but I think we got our players around the ball well to deal with that.
"I think as a defensive unit we managed the physical battle well and we were able to compete with them effectively.
"It's always challenging playing against men, but I felt that we dealt with it well as a team.
"Our defensive performance was good and that's something we should take moving forward especially against teams of older age groups like today."
Jaheim and his Under-19 teammates are back in action on Wednesday 17 March 2021 when they host Fleetwood Town at Canalside; 1pm kick-off. You can follow live match updates over on Town’s official Academy Twitter; @htafcacademy.
