Huddersfield Town player ratings as Danny Ward wins it from behind at Watford
The striker grabbed a brace from the bench to get Andre Breitenreiter off to a winning start
Lee Nicholls - 6
Absolutely nothing he could do about Emmanuel Dennis’ powerful strike into the ceiling of the net. Went largely untested for the rest of the game with Watford either putting their efforts off target or straight at him, but did save well from Tom Ince in the first half.
Matty Pearson - 7
No-nonsense performance as ever from the defender, who was back in his preferred centre-back role on the right of Town’s back three.
Tom Lees - 6
Had been enjoying a solid game up until Watford broke the deadlock after the break, with Lees committing to ground too quickly to allow Dennis to simply step around him and fire into the back of the net.
Yuta Nakayama - 7
Restored to the starting line-up with Radinio Balker ruled out by a knock. Had some uncertain moments on the ball but provided an absolute peach of a cross for Danny Ward to head home the equaliser.
David Kasumu - 7
Came in on the right wing after Sorba Thomas had to leave the matchday squad for personal reasons. Finished the game in central midfield having performed well in both roles.
Alex Matos - 7
Did an overall good job patrolling the space between the Town defence and midfield, making numerous sharp interceptions and recovery tackles before turning to put Town on the attack.
Jonathan Hogg - 6
Looked sharp on and off the ball, reading the game well to stop Watford moves before playing it forward as early as he possibly could. Had to go off with what looked like a persistent back issue after being caught by a pair of Watford challenges.
Brodie Spencer - 6
Performed a similar job to against Southampton, being asked to get well forward both on the ball and in the press, but was extremely responsible about getting back as required as made several great recovery challenges to stop dangerous-looking Watford moves. Unfortunately blotted his notebook by getting it wrong as he was beaten one-on-one on the way to the hosts’ opener.
Jack Rudoni - 5
Operated as a number 10 and was consequently the first guardian to get past in the Town press and the player they looked to to build their own play through. Seemed determined to get on the scoresheet, which you want to see, but it did at times leave him blinkered to passing options. Started well but had a frustrating second half.
Josh Koroma - 5
Was involved in some good, sharp passing moves in the early going but found his influence waning as the game went on before being subbed off.
Delano Burgzorg - 5
Made his first start since Boxing Day having recently returned from the bench from the ankle injury he suffered that day. Tried hard and had some positive moments, particularly early on, but his best efforts at producing flick-ons and through balls or to run through the defence kept hitting a brick wall. Wasted a brilliant opening late on with his cross failing to find an unmarked Ben Wiles at the back post.
Substitutes
Ben Wiles (for Koroma 62) - Should have been given a sitter shortly after Town’s equaliser at the end of a move he started, but Burgzorg didn’t get it to him. Clipped the roof of the net with a dipping effort from out wide. 6
Danny Ward (for Hogg 62) - Scored his first goal since 12th December, getting up superbly to turn a header past Ben Hamer, then added to that by flicking Tom Edwards’ cross home late on. Welcome back Wardy. 8
Tom Edwards (for Matos 68) - Called into action for the first time since the trip to Elland Road in October, taking over at right wing-back with Kasumu going into midfield. Excellent cross from the touchline to set up Ward’s second. 7
Brahima Diarra (for Burgzorg 86) - n/a
Unused subs: Chris Maxwell, Giosue Bellagambi, Ben Jackson, Pat Jones, Bojan Radulovic.
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