Huddersfield Town ratings as Leo Castledine strike the difference at Exeter
Lee Grant's Terriers created plenty of chances but couldn't add to the Chelsea loanee's first-half effort in a 1-0 victory at St James Park, with Exeter having a goal disallowed
Lee Nicholls - 7
Kept his place despite Owen Goodman’s return to from suspension. Had to be on alert to deny Reece Cole’s fiercely-struck shot in the second half.
Lasse Sorensen - 8
Enjoyed his running battle with Ilmari Niskanen up and down that flank. A real threat for Town with his runs and went close to a sensational goal as half time beckoned, then had another strike blocked by a sliding tackle. Really solid defensive effort as Exeter pushed for an equaliser.
Josh Feeney - 8
Received a little push in the back as the hosts scored a disallowed goal on the stroke of half time — not sure if it was disallowed for that or for offside but either way was the right outcome. Another solid game, with two brave blocks around 13 minutes from time vital to Town keeping Exeter goalless despite their best efforts.
Joe Low - 7
Looked composed and comfortable on the ball. More willing to step forward with the ball and not always look for the square pass on this occasion.
Ruben Roosken - 7
Back in at left-back, now wearing a protective mask after his blow to the face against Burton. Very poor in the opening 15 minutes as he looked unsure off himself — and may have had his peripheral vision disrupted — but much more convincing thereafter, and often the man to find the right pass out of defence or break up an Exeter attack.
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Ryan Ledson - 8
Really good game throughout both on and off the ball — won his duels, made interceptions, tidy with the ball when he needed to be and incisive when the opportunity presented itself. Had what was either a cross or a looping shot turned away from the top corner just after half time.
David Kasumu - 7
Didn’t start amazingly but got a grip pretty quickly and began to do what we know he is capable of in midfield, making challenges and getting the ball out of tight corners. Won the ball off a clearance to send Leo Castledine away for the opener. Always ready to receive a little touch back from one of the more advanced midfielders.
Marcus Harness - 8
Finished the first half in particularly fine fettle as Town applied relentless pressure in pursuit of their second goal, when he was the key man in the Town attack, then stayed in positive form into the second half. Started multiple attacks by applying pressure and forcing Exeter off the ball in their own half. Picked up a yellow card soon after the break.
Ben Wiles - 7
Played as a bit of free-roaming number 10 and kept making dangerous in-roads up the channels. Shooting booths weren’t on or he could genuinely have had a perfect hat-trick — left-foot, right-foot, header — if he had not put all three opportunities narrowly off target. Would be talking about a sensational performance if he had been able to bury them.
Leo Castledine - 8
Started on the left wing. Cut inside to put an early shot not far wide of the far post, then went one better to put Town ahead on 28 minutes with a great hit to the top corner. Didn’t get everything right in the final third but did plenty of good as Town’s out ball of choice.
Alfie May - 7
Blazed over the bar off a great Wiles cross then had a late shot deflected onto the bar, which was as close as he went to getting on a scoresheet. Typically hard-working effort and created a chance for Joe Taylor as soon as he came on.
Substitutes
Cameron Ashia (for Harness 74) - Initially on the left wing, then spent the final few minutes at 10 after Gooch came on to take over on the left. 6
Joe Taylor (for Castledine 82) - Took over up front with may dropping to the Harness role. Wasted a good opening with his first touch, putting wide from a narrow-ish angle after being played in by May with men waiting across goal. n/a
Dan Vost (for Ledson 89) - Made his league debut. n/a
Lynden Gooch (for Wiles 89) - Returning from injury. n/a
Unused substitutes: Owen Goodman, Sean Roughan, Murray Wallace.
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