Huddersfield Town player ratings from comeback victory over Barnsley
Jon Russell put the hosts ahead in the first half but substitute Josh Koroma and Ben Wiles (or was it Callum Marshall?) hit back for a 2-1 win at Oakwell
Lee Nicholls - 6
We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt that he was unsighted and didn’t see Jon Russell’s shot until too late, but didn’t look the most convincing attempt at a save regardless. Came off his line well to snuff out a Barnsley chance around the hour.
Lasse Sorensen - 7
A necessarily more positionally conservative showing than we are used to to begin with. Effective with a few early balls down the outside for teammates to run onto that ultimately came to nothing, but made it pay off in the second half with a lovely first-time pass for Josh Koroma to run onto and score. Would rightly argue he had another runner he couldn’t allow to go free as neither he nor Radinio Balker stopped Russell’s run. Finished the game in central midfield as Michael Duff shuffled the defence around.
Radinio Balker - 4
Backed off and backed off on Russell before putting in a half-hearted challenge - really poor. Looks a bit suspectable to players running straight at him after his mare against Northampton. Swapped sides with Lees in the second half and had a perfectly fine second period.
Tom Lees - 6
Had a few communication issues with Brodie Spencer early on as both kept going for the same balls, but then settled in and was decent enough. Made several good late interventions to get the ball away from dangerous areas.
Brodie Spencer - 6
Had those early mix-ups with Lees in the first half , but generally had a decent game and dealt with most of what came down his side - mostly the left, but then the right fo the closing stages.
Ben Wiles - 6
Great positioning a lot of the time, and no faulting his work rate, but end product was lacking, as has been the case far too often lately. Got on the scoresheet for the first time in 12 games largely by accident and his crossed free kick curled into the bottom corner.
David Kasumu - 6
Made his first start since his injury in late December. Put in a good shift for close to 80 minutes before being withdrawn.
Herbie Kane - 6
Shares his culpability for the goal after mimicking Balker’s unconvincing attempt to stop Russell with a tackle. Did however win a few good turnovers in the first half and was smart in helping Town win the ball from a Barnsley free kick and then counter upfield for the equaliser. Better in the second half
Callum Marshall - 8
Played a big part in several good Town moves that created chances for others, but rarely had the favour returned. Sent Charles away with an exquisite touch just before half time only for the striker to run straight into the Barnsley keeper. Put a chance on a place for Josh Koroma shortly after the break in almost identical fashion to their combination to score against Bolton, only this time Koroma’s header went wide. Clever dummy on Wiles’ free kick to help it curl in…or is he claiming a little touch?
Dion Charles - 3
Did so much determined work off the ball and made a lot of the right runs but consistently unable to do anything to make his efforts pay off, with constant misplaced passes or poor touches seeing promising attacks break down. Unsurprisingly taken off at the break.
Tawanda Chirewa - 7
Another really positive outing from the new arrival, who again showed his lovely touch and ability to beat a defender. Probably Town’s best player first half and had their best effort of the half as his curling effort went narrowly wide. Will need to see a bit of decisive end product from him eventually but signs are promising so far.
Substitutes
Josh Koroma (for Charles 46) - Showed Charles how it was done as he successfully put away a very similar chance to equalise. Offered little else, in truth, other than putting that presentable header wide, but good to see someone make a crucial difference when Town needed it, and did a professional job defending the wing late on. 7
Josh Ruffels (for Chirewa 68) - Briefly played on the wing/wing-back before dropping back to left-back. Solid. 6
Jonathan Hogg (for Kane 68) - Marshalled the midfield through the final half hour including stoppages and made sure they didn’t drop too deep. 6
Joe Hodge (for Kasumu 79) - Nice injection of energy for the closing minutes. n/a
Freddie Ladapo (for Marshall 84) - n/a
Unused substitutes: Jacob Chapman, Ollie Turton.
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