Town secure Play-Off spot
- Huddersfield Town 2-1 Barnsley
- Terriers guaranteed a place in the top six
- Jordan Rhodes and Harry Toffolo on the scoresheet
Huddersfield Town sealed their place in the 2021/22 Sky Bet Championship top six with a 2-1 win over Barnsley at the John Smith’s Stadium on Friday evening.
Extending their unbeaten run to five, first half goals from Jordan Rhodes and Harry Toffolo were enough to see Town bag their first Play-Off spot since THAT 2016/17 season.
It was the perfect start for the Terriers, with Rhodes putting them ahead in the fourth minute! Our no.9 was on hand to nod home at the back post from a Danel Sinani corner. The officials toyed with the idea of not giving it, but thankfully, the goal stood! His 90th goal for Huddersfield Town, Rhodes becomes the Terriers joint sixth all-time top goalscorer with Vic Metcalfe.
The opening minutes continued at a flying pace, with Town pushing forward at every opportunity, whilst Barnsley tried to break at pace in their hunt for an equaliser.
As the game began to settle, the Terriers dominated proceedings. A chance fell Town’s way in the 13th minute, as a lovely ball from Jon Russell picked out Danel Sinani, but the latter’s effort was blocked by a backtracking Barnsley defender.
The 31st minute of play saw a touching moment, as all four sides of the John Smith’s Stadium rose to their feet to applaud Daryl Hopkins, fondly known as Daz, a Town fan who is showing true Terrier Spirit in his fight against terminal cancer.
Toffolo tried his luck in the 38th minute. A lovely cross field ball from Duane Holmes found Toffs in space, and he took a touch before letting one fly from range. Unfortunately for Toffs, Jack Walton was down well to see if safely wide.
As the clock showed 40 minutes played, there was a short break in play to allow Naby Sarr to break his fast. As he made his way to the near touchline, his name was sung from the stands.
As the game got back underway, Toffolo crossed to Jon Russell, but the midfielder’s cushioned header fell into the hands of Walton.
Toffolo got his goal in the first minute of added time! Our left back ghosted in unmarked at the far post to tuck home a Sinani cross and double Town’s lead!
Following a quieter start to the second half, the Terriers first chance came in the 54th minute. Almost a dream link up between Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien, the latter was unable to get a clean correction on Toffs’ low fizzed cross!
Barnsley had a half chance in 13 minutes later, but Cauley Woodrow slicked his strike as Sarr rushed back to put him under pressure.
A lengthy break in play came in the 77th minute as Ollie Turton went down with a head injury. Fortunately, he was able to continue.
As the game continued to count down, Rhodes showcased a lovely controlled effort on the volley, but it was straight at Walton.
Barnsley scored a consolation goal in the final minute of added time, courtesy of Callum Styles.
The referee blew his whistle seconds later, seeing Town walk out a very delighted squad!
Town’s final regular season home game of the 2021/22 campaign is on Saturday 7 May at 12.30pm against Bristol City. CLICK HERE to secure your seat now!
Town’s Line-Up (4-2-2)
Lee Nicholls; Harry Toffolo (Josh Ruffells, 83’), Naby Sarr, Tom Lees, Ollie Turton; Duane Holmes (Fraizer Campbell, 89’), Jonathan Hogg, Jon Russell, Danel Sinani (Scott High, 46’); Lewis O’Brien, Jordan Rhodes
Unused Subs
Jamal Blackman; Pipa, Tino Anjorin, Scott High, Carel Eiting
Town Scorers
Jordan Rhodes (4’), Harry Toffolo (45+1’)
