Huddersfield Town player ratings as Sorba Thomas sensational in battling defeat to Middlesbrough
The Welshman was in brilliant form leading the line for Darren Moore's side in an entertaining encounter that just didn't go their way
Jacob Chapman - 7
Into the side for his first Championship start having come off the bench in midweek Off his line well to cut out a couple of crosses and shots including getting a crucial touch to just about deny Isaiah Jones in a one-v-one in the first half before the loose ball was cleared off the line. Beaten by a Josh Coburn lob having come off his line again to try and sweep up, but more than atoned with a wonderful stop to deny a Jonny Howson penalty out of the top corner. Sickener that Howson then scored moments later off the resulting corner.
Tom Lees - 7
Had to get to grips with Middlesbrough consistently going around his side but did so. Had a strong game in the air..
Michal Helik - 7
Took the captain’s armband after Jonathan Hogg’s forced withdrawal shortly before the break. In the right place at the right time to apply the finish for a deflected equaliser from the edge of the box on the hour.
Yuta Nakayama - 7
Continued to develop his working relationship with Jaheim Headley on the Town left, to good effect. Kept chasing what looked like a lost cause as Jones earned himself a tap-in, and was rewarded for his efforts as he cleared the ball off the line after the Boro man remarkably failed to connect properly. Possibly could have done better to cut out the ball over the top for Boro scorer Coburn as he went through to score, knocking him down from a better mark in an otherwise impressive outing.
David Kasumu - 7
Consistently targeted by Middlesbrough after they found a bit of joy in behind him a couple of times in quick succession in the first half. Soon smelt what they were cooking and wisely took up a slightly more conservative starting position to stem that tide. Showed a brilliant touch at times to bring down some raking long passes out to his wing, but unable to find that killer final ball.
Ben Wiles - 6
Played some nice stuff at close quarters as his improvement continued. Worked hard to force and win 50/50 balls in midfield wherever he could. Great work playing off Sorba Thomas to help create Helik’s equaliser. Played some tired-looking passes as the game wore on before making the clumsy challenge on Morgan Rogers that gave Boro a penalty.
Jonathan Hogg - 7
Was enjoying an overall positive game chasing down any attempt by Middlesbrough to play it forward (albeit with a couple of minor errors that he himself quickly made up for) before being forced off looking unwell.
Jack Rudoni - 7
Consistently made himself available and threaded some good balls in behind the Boro defence from out on the left wing, as well as making some good runs up the middle that teammates couldn’t quite find.
Jaheim Headley - 8
Strong game defensively and made every effort to try and put Town on the front foot. Overhit a couple of promising balls in behind trying to find Rudoni, but had the right ideas and found his touch more and more as the game went on.
Sorba Thomas - 9
Sensational. Led a much higher Town press with incredible energy and determination alongside Josh Koroma. Played a pair of lovely passes in behind for his strike partner that went unfinished in the first half. Consistently exhibited an excellent touch and deserved to get more from his teammates for his efforts over those 45 minutes. Played a massive part in the equalising goal after a lovely exchange with Wiles, then later had a goal correctly ruled out for offside.
Josh Koroma - 6
Hit the crossbar in the first half, rounding the goalkeeper only for his attempt to lift it over the last defender with his unfavoured left foot meaning his strike failed the hit the empty net. Forced a good save soon after the break. Admirably kept his head up and kept on working hard to try and make things happen despite those moments not going his way.
Substitutes
Rarmani Edmonds-Green (for Hogg 38) - A straight swap for the skipper, taking over the holding midfield role. Looked rather more at it than the last time we saw him for more than a cameo. 6
Kyle Hudlin (for Nakayama 87) - n/a
Subs not used: Giosue Bellagambi, Loick Ayina, Josh Austerfield, Brahima Diarra, Tom Iorpenda, Michael Stone, Conor Falls.
We want your ratings too! Head here to cast your votes.