Huddersfield Town player ratings as Lee Grant era begins with 3-0 win over Leyton Orient
The play-off finalists had won 4-1 here on the final day of last season, but it was a different story for a new-look Terriers side
Owen Goodman - 6
Didn’t have a save to make until the 40th minute, and rarely called into action after that. Commanded his box well.
Lynden Gooch - 7
Went in the book early doors for scything down Tayo Adaramola. Will be hoping for more opportunities to get forward in future games, but sprayed some lovely crossfield passes that found their mark and put Town on the front foot.
Jack Whatmough - 7
Clever in how he positions himself to slow down swift opposition counter-attacks. Took a yellow card for the team — and for the already-booked Gooch — with a cynical foul to stop Josh Koroma’s charge upfield. Was given a bit of trouble by Aaron Connolly on the floor, but very solid in the air.
Joe Low - 7
Got free of Rarmani Edmonds-Green to head Town in front off a free kick just seven minutes into his debut. Slightly lucky not to be booked for a clumsy foul in the first couple of minutes, and let Connolly wriggle past him as Orient hit the post a few minutes later, but settled into the game after that and was very formidable in the Town box.
Sean Roughan - n/a
Took a heavy blow to the knee less than 15 minutes in and looked to be in considerable pain. Was able to run it off after a couple of minutes’ treatment, only to go down again a few minutes later and have to go off. Didn’t get to see much of him but really responsive to everything that went up his side.
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Herbie Kane - 7
One of just three players from last season to start this game alongside eight new signings. Great cross on his free kick for Low to head Town in front. Sat in between the defensive and midfield lines off the ball to limit the space at number 10.
Ryan Ledson - 8
The new skipper. Really solid defensive midfield display, the highlight of which was a fabulous sliding block to stop a long-range effort on the edge of the box. Always forward-looking with the ball wherever possible. So composed — really impressive midfield showing.
Marcus Harness - 7
Excellent in the early going both on and off the ball before Orient started to dominate the run of play up to the break. Booked on the stroke of half time for chucking the ball away after being caught offside — can’t do that nowadays. Lost the ball by being a bit over-elaborate a couple of times, but did pose questions of Orient when he got it right. Went off holding his side just after the hour having put in a hell of a shift.
Ben Wiles - 8
Looked far more confident and lively than the second half of last season. Hit the post with an early effort just moments after Leyton Orient had done the same at the other end. Kept getting into good positions in the channels in support of May, and had another decent strike saved midway through the first half. Should have done better early in the second half at the end of a great run into space, but put a left-footed effort straight at the keeper. Kept causing problems and won the penalty for Town to make it 2-0.
Mickel Miller - 7
Started on the left wing but dropped to left-back after Roughan’s departure. Did well in both roles — gives this mostly passing side something a bit different with his more ball-carrying approach.
Alfie May - 7
Had a chance to make it 2-0 cleared off the line from a corner, then wasn’t in the game nearly enough until after the break. Far more involved second half and stepped up to score a penalty ten minutes into the second half — the first Town have scored at home since February 2020. Had a header tipped over the bar just a couple of minutes later.
Substitutes
Ruben Roosken (for Roughan 24) - Took over Miller’s role on the left wing, and combined well up that left side with Miller. Looked a little lost and final cross left a bit to be desired when he first came on, but grew into the game in the second half, albeit still a real mixed bag with his work on the ball. Took his chance when it came in injury time to make it 3-0. 7
Joe Taylor (for Harness 64) - Went on at centre-forward with May taking over Harness’ number 10 job. Made an immediate impression with a storming run in behind to meet a long ball and a lovely flicked pass. Looks to have the hunger back after looking so frustrated at the back end of last season. Great pick-out to find Roosken at the back post for 3-0. 7
Dion Charles (for May 79) - Straight swap into the number 10 role to help bring fresh legs to the press. Had a 90th-minute strike turned over the bar from the edge of the box, and played a big part in the third goal. 7
Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 80) - Sent on for the closing stages with Gooch on a yellow card. Lovely backheel to Charles to send Town on their way to 3-0. n/a
David Kasumu (for Kane 80) - Offered a bit more defensive dynamism in the middle of the park. n/a
Unused substitutes: Lee Nicholls, Radinio Balker.
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