Huddersfield Town ratings as Alfie May goal provides victory over Stevenage
The Terriers were on top and comfortable for much of the game but had to wait over an hour to take the lead before digging in to see out the result late on
Owen Goodman - 6
Called into serious action just once, deep into injury time, to stop a deflected effort creeping into the top corner, then won an important punch from the resulting corner.
Lasse Sorensen - 8
Spotted his teammates’ runs well in the final third and make some good ones of his own, leading to a couple of efforts on goal for Alfie May. Did his part defensively, most notably chasing back from the Stevenage box to stop an attempter counter-attack just inside the Town half.
Josh Feeney - 8
Dependable with his work in the air and gave Stevenage no joy off balls into his area of the box. Stepped out of the line well when required to make early disruptions to the Stevenage attack
Joe Low - 8
Yet another assured defensive showing and particularly helped keep Town in the lead as Stevenage applied the pressure looking for a late equaliser.
Murray Wallace - 6
Composed performance, but taken off shortly after the break with Town on top of the run of play but in need of a little more attacking threat.
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Ryan Ledson - 8
Took a bit of a battering from the opposition as they tried to stop him playing, not that it particularly worked. Hit some brilliant balls out to the flanks early doors to find Town’s wingers in space around the Stevenage box. Vision is just fantastic. Competed extremely well and constantly got to loose balls and 50/50s first.
Herbie Kane- 7
Made difficult work in tight spaces look ever so simple as he helped Town play out from the back — basically just did all the Herbie Kane stuff well. Took a blow to the head after making a brave block from a Stevenage long shot, then straight after took one for the team with a really cynical foul to stop the defence getting caught cold
Marcus Harness - 6
Double-marked by a Stevenage side who were clearly aware of the influence he can wield when drifting into space.
Ben Wiles - 7
Came back into his own half to provide another pressing option a lot more than in previous games, which after Tuesday’s first half was a very welcome sight. Played a big part in Town’s build-up play but then unable to make an impact after entering the final third. Looked more at it after Cameron Ashia came on.
Ruben Roosken - 6
Found space constantly on the left side but was a little indecisive at times and struggled to find that final pass, bar one first-half chance created for Alfie May. Could have gone in the book for a cynical foul first half but escaped punishment.
Alfie May - 8
Unfortunate that his hassling didn’t result in him getting free in the Stevenage box on two occasions in the first half, with the ball just spinning the wrong way each time. Was given several first-half chances from crosses and connected well with them but was denied by good blocks and saves. Dropped back to Harness’ number 10 role after Joe Taylor’s introduction. Finally put away his goal at the second time of asking to give Town the lead. Big defensive shift and put in some important defensive work to stop Stevenage getting a second phase on set pieces.
Substitutes
Sean Roughan (for Wallace 53) - Presumably sent on to give Town a bit more quality in the final third and did exactly that, setting up May to finally break the deadlock. 7
Joe Taylor (for Harness 58) - Went on at centre-forward. Heeded May’s shout to leave Roughan’s cutback for him to finish off as Town went ahead. 6
Cameron Ashia (for Roosken 58) - Direct replacement on the left wing. Looked full of confidence and gave Town some more much-needed intensity around the box. Booked for a clumsy foul. Dug in well around the Town box late on. 6
Lynden Gooch (for Sorensen 84) - n/a
Leo Castledine (for Wiles 84) - n/a
Unused substitutes: Lee Nicholls, David Kasumu.
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