Huddersfield Town player ratings as Jon Worthington's side demolish Crawley
The interim head coach got off to the ideal start in charge with a 5-1 victory at the John Smith's Stadium
Lee Nicholls - 5
Had little to do beyond a brief spell of Crawley attacks either side of the break with the result already well beyond doubt — but should have saved the late Crawley goal. Commanded the box well.
Ollie Turton - 7
Another helpfully versatile showing, first at right-back and then as a central defender.
Matty Pearson - 7
A surprise inclusion after Michael Duff had told us to expect a lengthier lay-off with a calf injury. Marked his return by getting in among the goals from a corner. Departed midway through the second half having done his job.
Brodie Spencer - 7
Partnered Pearson in the back four in Jon Worthington’s new-looked 4-2-3-1. Rarely troubled but did have to win a couple of tackles to stop counter-attacks from set pieces, and did so. Had a header well saved in the second half. Could have done better on Crawley’s injury time consolation goal.
Josh Ruffels - 6
Played some great passes up the left for Roosken from left-back. Looked to have the chance to win a tackle on the Crawley goal.
Joe Hodge - 8
Looks a really good fit for this higher-paced, higher-pressing style of play and had, for our money, easily his best game for the club so far. Excellent both in the press and on recoveries, and always looked to get the ball forward as quickly as possible, with the touch and passing range to do so effectively. Could be a really important player for Worthington if he can keep it up.
Antony Evans - 8
Great work to keep the ball alive on the way to the second Town goal. Held onto the ball too long at times, but that’s nitpicking an otherwise solid midfield performance that also included some nice little flicks and close-range passes, including the one that set up Ruben Roosken’s goal and then a great cross for Callum Marshall moments later.
Callum Marshall - 9
Started on the right wing before going up front for the final half hour. Tested the keeper from close range early on and should have done better, but Joe Taylor was there to finish it off. Forced the second goal, too, cutting in from the left to shoot and hitting the post before it went in off Crawley’s Charlie Barker. Smashed home the third as Panutche Camara kindly knocked down a corner for him to finish. Had a great header turned over the bar late on. Tackled back brilliantly when on the wing, as we know he will.
Ben Wiles - 8
Worked hard to hassle Crawley’s defenders as they tried to play out from the back. Teed up Marshall to hit the post and played a big part in the fifth goal. Needed a bit more luck in front of goal but was able to create chances for himself and others.
Ruben Roosken - 9
Played on the left wing. Nice touch inside the box on the way to Town’s early goal, and kept showing off his silky ball control throughout the game to provide a reliable attacking outlet and was involved in four of the five goals, to varying degrees. Great delivery for Pearson to score the fourth, and kept making problems from set pieces. Took his finish well to make it five.
Joe Taylor - 8
Makes a massive difference having a good centre-forward up top, doesn’t it? Scored less than three minutes into his return to the starting line-up and won’t get an easier one in his Town career, tapping a rebound from Marshall’s effort into the empty net. Helped pressure the Crawley defender into the own goal, too. Went off on the hour.
Substitutes
Tawanda Chirewa (for Taylor 60) - Went onto the right wing initially with Marshall moving into the lone striker role, then finished the game on the left. Made sure Town kept up their pace and energy in the closing stages. 6
Lasse Sorensen (for Pearson 61) - Took over from Turton at right-back. Absolutely fine with what he needed to do. 6
Jonathan Hogg (for Hodge 74) - On with the game well and truly won. Shown a harsh yellow card late on. n/a
Neo Eccleston (for Roosken 76) - Made his senior debut for the club, seeing out the game on the right wing. n/a
Unused substitutes: Jacob Chapman, Loick Ayina, Freddie Ladapo.
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