Huddersfield Town player verdicts as Terriers beat Lecce from behind
Michael Duff's side started shakily but got better and better as the game went on, deservedly winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Josh Koroma and Rhys Healey
Chris Maxwell: Came off his line early and well on numerous occasions to cut out potentially dangerous Lecce balls. A bit over-zealous with that early in the second half, ending up penalised for handling it outside his box rather than get lobbed…may well have been off for that in a real game, even if it did look half-accidental. Saved well from a couple of long-rangers, including a well-struck 89th-minute free kick.
Tom Lees: Defensively very solid, but involved in a slight mix-up with Lasse Sorensen on the way to Lecce’s first-half goal with neither man heading to the loose ball after they combined to make a challenge — hard to say who (if anyone) at fault though. An an otherwise really strong showing. Played some useful line-breaking balls forward too.
Michal Helik: Twice had to make stops in the first couple of minutes after attacks up the Town left. Continued in that vein throughout the game, stationing himself centrally and dealing with everything that came his way. Great outing.
Josh Ruffels: Was left with a lot of one-on-ones in the first half that Lecce were only too happy to try and exploit. Needed more help from his wing-back and got it after the break, which helped him look a lot more comfortable with his duties. Some impressive pressing into midfield.
Lasse Sorensen: Another good showing, that slight mix-up with Lees on the goal aside. Found a decent balance between attack and defence, getting into the right positions to cross but final delivery not quite there on this occasion.
Antony Evans: Defensively responsible, putting himself about well in midfield and filling for Sorensen in the back line on a couple of occasions to help Town keep the numbers. Gave Jonathan Hogg more help on the ball after the break by offering a shorter option.
Jonathan Hogg: Saw plenty of the ball but didn’t always have the options for playing forward that he would have liked. Overhit a couple of those trademarks balls to the flanks when he did get a chance, but did get them to come off to good effect on occasion too. Got more support from the other two midfielders after the break as they played slightly nearer to him.
Ben Wiles: Initially not as switched on or effective as he was in his excellent midweek showing, but had one or two sharper moments towards the end of the first half and continued that into what he played of the second, with one through ball for Ward especially dangerous.
Mickel Miller: Had his moments on the ball but defensive positioning and response still needed work int he first half. Held the line a lot better second half, to Town’s benefit, presumably after a word or two from the coaching staff.
Rhys Healey: His usual nuisance on and off the ball, but didn’t get any clear-cut opportunities from open play, with his best potential opening — off Sorensen’s ball from the right — coming in just behind him. Took a kick to the face trying to get onto a Herbie Kane cross and stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.
Danny Ward: Continued to look in good physical shape, using his body well to hold off opponents and keep what looked like lost causes in Town’s possession. Had a promising opening quickly charged down off Wiles’ pass.
Substitutes
Brodie Spencer (for Ruffels 63): Came on with Town starting to play more on the front foot, so at first had less to do than if he had started, but did what he had to really well. A little to blasé on the ball at times this week, and gave the ball away to allow Lecce an inviting opening that they wasted. Busier late on and made a vital block in injury time to help ensure the result.
Jaheim Headley (for Miller 63): Looked a lot better. Provided the ball in from the left from which Town got their equaliser and continued to look a threat up that side.
Herbie Kane (for Wiles 63): Instantly became Town’s go-to ball-player in midfield. Played in the cross from which Town got their penalty.
Josh Koroma (for Ward 63): Got another goal a few minutes after coming on, bundling home Headley’s cross. Has looked better and better throughout the week — made a difference after coming on.
Matty Pearson (for Lees 69): Teed up a glancing Tom Iorpenda header that ran wide, then later committed the most hilariously blatant shirt tug you’ll ever see to stop Lecce getting clean through on Maxwell.
David Kasumu (for Hogg 75): Fresh legs to help continue the momentum Town had already started to gather before his introduction
Tom Iorpenda (for Evans 75): Caused the Lecce defence some issues with some direct attacking play. Nodded slightly wide and played a part in the move that led to Town’s penalty.
Pat Jones (for Healey 85).
Unused substitutes: Lee Nicholls, Jacob Chapman, Neo Eccleston, Ben Jackson, Kian Harratt.