Huddersfield Town ratings as dominant showing ends in controversial defeat to Wrexham
The Terriers put in an impressive performance but had to go away empty-handed from this six-pointer after conceding from an offside position
You’ll find five conclusions on this game here!
Lee Nicholls - 6
Saved well from Jay Rodriguez’s powerful long strike in the second half. Rarely threatened and claimed all the crosses he needed to. Saved with his feet to deny Sam Smith’s header only for Steven Fletcher to bundle in Wrexham’s goal from an offside position. Got a little flick on a last-second corner only for the chance created to go to waste.
Brodie Spencer - 8
Excellent first-half showing on the right of the back three before having to shift into the middle at the break due to Nigel Lonwijk’s injury. Dealt brilliantly with numerous attempts to play the ball in behind him, especially in the first half, and had to deal with a constant rotating cast of defensive colleagues.
Nigel Lonwijk - 7
Dependable performance in the heart of the defence, winning every ball that came his way. Unfortunately had to be withdrawn at the break.
Josh Ruffels - 8
Got forward well to support Roosken when the opportunity presented itself, delivering the cross for Josh Koroma’s disallowed strike — but still aware of the job he needed to do as the left-sided centre-back, which he did brilliantly well. Faultlessly composed. Sacrificed in a tactical switch to get Joe Taylor on at 1-0 down.
Ollie Turton - 7
Solid and responsible job at right wing-back first half, then moved into the back three at half time, then finally to left back for the closing stages. Really valuable versatility in the current defensive injury crisis.
Antony Evans - 7
Tireless midfield showing, getting from end to end and showing plenty of endeavour. Went close with a curling effort in the second half, but grew a bit sloppy after Wrexham took the lead.
Joe Hodge - 7
Not always switched on to Wrexham’s wide threat on his side of the pitch early on, but did get well well to make a couple of timely interceptions that halted Wrexham counter-attacks and got away from opponents well in tight spaces. Good hustling performance for an hour or so but, like Evans, waned towards the end.
Ruben Roosken - 7
Had plenty to deal with down his side but did so, and caused Wrexham problems of his own with his work on the ball. Not able to find that killer ball either form open play or set piece.
Tawanda Chirewa - 8
Operated at number 10 again. Found space well in behind the Wrexham midfield, causing them all kinds of problems, and used the ball so well, whether carrying it or looking for the pass. Went fairly close with an effort from a narrow angle just before half time. Great shift.
Callum Marshall - 6
Lovely link-ups with Chirewa and his strike partners in the first half. Might have liked to have seen him in goalscoring positions more often. Shook off a knock to the ankle in the second half.
Josh Koroma - 7
Started really well and had an early goal ruled out for a marginal offside call. Had to go off after being hurt in a challenge midway through the first half but had done everything he could during his short time on the pitch.
Substitutes
Dion Charles (for Koroma 23) - Great work rate, got into useful positions, and linked well with Marshall and his teammates, for which he gets credit. But wasted another golden one-v-one just before the break after being sent clean through by Marshall — needed to be much more composed but clearly lacking confidence. Went down looking for a foul when he looked to have another shooting chance shortly thereafter. 4
Lasse Sorensen (for Lonwijk 46) - Took over from Turton at wing-back. Able to get past his man a few times but final ball lacking. Had a spell at centre-back for the last few minutes. 6
Ben Wiles (for Chirewa 72) - Along with Hogg, sent on just moments before Wrexham took the lead. Carried on in attacking midfield, to much lesser effect. Put a decent chance from the edge of the box straight at the keeper and air-kicked a last-second chance to equalise off Nicholls’ flick-on from a corner. 4
Jonathan Hogg (for Roosken 72) - On for his 400th appearance for the club in all competitions, seeing out the closing stages at centre-back. 6
Joe Taylor (for Ruffels 79) - A late introduction at 1-0 down. Frustrated that his runs were not found by teammates. n/a
Unused substitutes: Jacob Chapman, Freddie Ladapo.
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