Huddersfield Town ratings from shootout defeat to ten-man Preston North End
The Terriers looked to be set for a winning start in the League Cup through Radinio Balker's first-half header, only for Preston to equalise in injury time before winning 4-3 on penalties
Matty Young - 7
One of three debutants. Didn’t face a single shot on target in the first half. Commanded the box well when Preston threatened from a run of set pieces early in the second period. Spilt one late free kick but then got up and made a fantastic save to deny Jusef Erabi and atone for the error. Little he could do on Preston’s late goal through a crowded box. Beaten by Preston’s first three and fifth penalties, but good stop on number four.
Radinio Balker - 9 (MOTM)
Read the game really well to get in front of Milutin Osmajic in and stop a ball across the six yard box in the opening minutes. Played a great through ball for Ashley Fletcher that resulted in Lewis Gibson getting sent off for DOGSO. Lovely header to give Town the lead off Lasse Sorensen’s cross. Didn’t really put a foot wrong all game.
Jack Whatmough - 8
Played in the middle of the Town defence against his former club. Headed away everything that came his way first half, and was made to work a lot harder after the break as Preston pushed to get back into the game. Won a tackle he had to win with five minutes left on the clock right in front of Young’s goal. Tried to block Delano Burgzorg’s shot in injury time but was beaten to it by Erabi.
Sean Roughan - 7
Had one or two iffy moments early on to let Preston get up his side or play a poor forward ball, but quickly found his feet and looked composed and capable thereafter. Unlucky with one promising ball in behind for Derensili Sanches Fernandes was gather up by the keeper first. Combined well with David Kasumu in some of his defending, with one often guiding opponents towards the other.
We’ll have our full thought on this game no later than first thing tomorrow morning plus our thoughts on the game on our weekly podcast on Monday. If you’re not a paying backer, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial to get our full reaction.
Lasse Sorensen - 8
Had plenty of space on the right flank, particularly after Preston were reduced to ten men, and was only too happy to try and exploit it. Good delivery from a free kick as Fletcher hit the post, and then again as Balker found the net. Played some nice switches of play to the opposite flank. Slight black mark in the form of a couple of dreadful throw-ins.
Ryan Ledson - 7
Typically committed midfield performance against his former club. Played a part early in the build-up in a lot of Town’s better attacks in the first half, and led his side as they dug in late on and were seconds away from seeing the game out. Went first in the shootout and had his shot saved at the bottom corner.
David Kasumu - 6
Generally sound performance. However, looked like he could count himself lucky the officials didn’t give a penalty against him for grabbing Callum Lang inside the box off a set piece — looked as much a foul as the one that produced Preston’s red card. Unable to stop Burgzorg on the way to Preston’s last-minute equaliser.
Lynden Gooch - 6
Booked for a cynical foul less than four minutes in. Put in a solid showing at left wing-back both on and off the ball. Taken off at the break, presumably because of that booking.
Derensili Sanches Fernandes - 6
On debut. Just couldn’t quite get involved in the game enough even against ten men, despite some of his movement creating issues for Preston.
Ashley Fletcher - 7
The third and final debutant in the starting line-up. Perhaps should have done better with his header against the post, but throughout the first half he repeatedly caused the Preston defence issues both with his running in behind — most notably getting Gibson sent off —and his link-up play between the lines. Got away with blatantly pulling Osmajic’s shirt inside the Town box midway through the second half, but had the favour returned by Odel Offiah at the other end moments later to the same result.
Marcus Harness - 6
Had the first real shot of the game after a clever run behind Ledson’s back, but pulled it wide of the far post. That petty much summed up his afternoon: got himself into the right positions much of the time, only to be let down by his execution. Hit the bar from a narrow angle at the end of a Town break in the final moments. Took Town’s second penalty but was denied by the keeper — poor pen.
Substitutes
Bali Mumba (for Gooch 46) - Played a lovely ball across the face of goal that just needed somebody to get themselves onto it. If anything, a little too unselfish at times, looking for the pass when the shot would have been reasonable. Gave the ball away twice in the same Preston move as they got into the Town box late on. Scored his penalty in the shootout. 6
Joe Taylor (for Fletcher 71) - Slipped as he turned to apply the finish to his only real chance, causing him to poke it wide. 6
Jay Sway (for Sanches Fernandes 71) - Straight swap onto the right wing. Got to the byline to set up that Taylor chance, and was useful in relieving the pressure by carrying the ball up the pitch late on. Confidently tucked away his penalty. 6
Ibane Bowat (for Roughan 84) - On for his debut after joining in midweek. n/a
Unused substitutes: Nik Tzanev, Joe Low, Ethan Brierley, Marcus McGuane, George Sebine.
