NATIONWIDE LEAGUE DIVISION 1 - SEASON 1999-2000
May 2000
May 7th Fulham 3 - 0 Huddersfield Town
Town surrendered their play-off position with a disastrous
performance that summed up their lack of penetration quite
graphically. At no time did they look like scoring and, with
the defence leaking like a sieve, thoroughly merited their
defeat.
So the season has finished and Huddersfield Town will start
next season in the same division. What a disappointment after
a magnificent start and a top six position from last October.
The team have only themselves to blame for this disappointment
although injury did play its part. Yet the Terriers should
at least be participating in the play-offs. Unfortunately
they contrived to lose some vital games that should have been
easy victories, e.g. Swindon away and Stockport at home. Inconsistency
from key players is a feature that is prevalent throughout
the second half of the season.
It has been noticeable that the strikers have not been anywhere
near as effective since January whilst the midfield have failed
to take control of the game and play positive passing football
towards their opponents goal.
And so it's a case of what if and broken dreams for the supporters.
What happens during the closed season is going to prove interesting.
It is apparent that the overall fitness of the squad has to
be improved and that a certain amount of "dead wood"
has to be pruned if the side is to blossom next season.
In a couple of weeks this column will be consigned to the
archives and a new closed season news page will be launched.
Watch this space for breaking news, information but NO gossip!
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Heary, Lucketti,
Sellars (Smith 45), Beech (Baldry 72), Holland, Thornley (Hay
75), Wijnhard , Gorre.
Booked Lucketti, Vincent
Attendance 13,728
FINAL
TABLE UP TO AND INCLUDING SUNDAY, MAY 7th
|
H |
|
A |
|
| |
PL |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
PTS |
| CHARLTON |
46 |
15 |
3 |
5 |
37 |
18 |
12 |
7 |
4 |
42 |
27 |
|
91 |
| MAN
CITY |
46 |
17 |
2 |
4 |
48 |
17 |
9 |
9 |
5 |
30 |
23 |
|
89 |
| IPSWICH |
46 |
16 |
3 |
4 |
39 |
17 |
9 |
9 |
5 |
32 |
25 |
|
87 |
| BARNSLEY |
46 |
15 |
4 |
4 |
48 |
24 |
9 |
6 |
8 |
40 |
43 |
|
82 |
| BIRMINGHAM |
46 |
15 |
5 |
3 |
37 |
16 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
28 |
28 |
|
77 |
| BOLTON |
46 |
14 |
5 |
4 |
43 |
26 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
26 |
24 |
|
76 |
| WOLVES |
46 |
15 |
5 |
3 |
45 |
20 |
6 |
6 |
11 |
19 |
28 |
|
74 |
| HUDDERSFIELD |
46 |
14 |
5 |
4 |
43 |
21 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
19 |
28 |
|
74 |
| FULHAM |
46 |
13 |
7 |
3 |
33 |
13 |
4 |
9 |
10 |
16 |
28 |
|
67 |
| QPR |
46 |
9 |
12 |
2 |
30 |
20 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
32 |
33 |
|
66 |
| BLACKBURN |
46 |
10 |
9 |
4 |
33 |
20 |
5 |
8 |
10 |
22 |
31 |
|
62 |
| NORWICH |
46 |
11 |
6 |
6 |
26 |
22 |
3 |
9 |
11 |
19 |
28 |
|
57 |
| TRANMERE |
46 |
10 |
8 |
5 |
35 |
27 |
5 |
4 |
14 |
22 |
41 |
|
57 |
| NOTT'M
FOR |
46 |
9 |
10 |
4 |
29 |
18 |
5 |
4 |
14 |
24 |
37 |
|
56 |
| CRYSTAL
PAL |
46 |
7 |
11 |
5 |
33 |
26 |
6 |
4 |
13 |
24 |
41 |
|
54 |
| SHEFF
UTD |
46 |
10 |
8 |
5 |
38 |
24 |
3 |
7 |
13 |
21 |
47 |
|
54 |
| STOCKPORT |
46 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
33 |
31 |
5 |
7 |
11 |
22 |
36 |
|
54 |
| PORTSMOUTH |
46 |
9 |
6 |
8 |
36 |
27 |
4 |
6 |
13 |
19 |
39 |
|
51 |
| CREWE |
46 |
9 |
5 |
9 |
27 |
31 |
5 |
4 |
14 |
19 |
36 |
|
51 |
| GRIMSBY |
46 |
10 |
8 |
5 |
27 |
25 |
3 |
4 |
16 |
14 |
42 |
|
51 |
| WEST
BROM |
45 |
6 |
11 |
6 |
25 |
26 |
4 |
8 |
11 |
18 |
34 |
|
46 |
| WALSALL |
46 |
7 |
6 |
10 |
26 |
34 |
4 |
7 |
12 |
26 |
43 |
|
46 |
| PORT VALE |
46 |
6 |
6 |
11 |
27 |
30 |
1 |
9 |
13 |
21 |
39 |
|
36 |
| SWINDON |
46 |
5 |
6 |
12 |
23 |
37 |
3 |
6 |
14 |
15 |
40 |
|
36 |
April 29th Huddersfield Town 0 - Stockport County 2
What was once termed Fortress McAlpine became the Theatre
of Broken Dreams in a game that saw Town jeopardise their
play-off place to a team with nothing to play for except pride.
The terriers conceded two early goals and never looked like
responding themselves. The failure of the team to respond
to the challenge and book their place in the end of season
fight for Premiership football left the home fans disillusioned
with their heroes and the fate of the play-offs now rests
upon the last game of the season, a difficult match with Fulham
at Crven Cottage.
Stockport took an early lead when Cooper unleashed a powerful
shot that went straight as an arrow into the back of Vaesens
net. The same player had a hand in the second goal too as
his cross was diverted into the net by Craig Armstrong for
an own goal in the 12th minute. The Stockport team then defended
in depth, often with 10 men behind the ball when Town gained
possession. Chances on goal were few and far between for the
men in blue and white and whenever one did present itself
the shot was either off target or easily saved by Nash in
the Stockport goal.
Altogether a disjointed and poor performance, the only plus
being a solid performance from Ben Thornley who tormented
the Stockport defence down the left wing.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Monkou (Thornley 8),
Lucketti, C Armstrong (Facey 60), Beech, Holland, Irons (Hay
88), Wijnhard , Smith, A Armstrong .
Booked None
Attendance 14,046
April 24th Port Vale 1 - Huddersfield Town 2
A nervous performance from the Town team but they managed
to come away with all three points. The first half was totally
dominated by Town and it was no suprise when they took the
lead after Jamie Vincent cracked in a beautiful curling free
kick from the edge of the Vale penalty area in the 9th minute.
Then, towards the end of the half, Vale equalised and the
heat was on.
After the break Vale continued to attack but Town broke away
and Alun Armstrong was fouled in the area and Town were awarded
a penalty from which Kenny Irons gave them the lead again.
Thereafter it was backs to the wall and time for some desperate
defending by the Terriers. Fortunately they managed to hang
on and give a boost to their play-off aspirations.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Monkou,
Lucketti, C Armstrong, Beech, Holland, Irons (Sellars 80),
Wijnhard (Hay 88), Smith (A Armstrong 25).
Booked Lucketti, Vincent, Armstrong A
Attendance5,828
April 22nd Huddersfield Town 0 - Bolton Wanderers 3
A poor performance from all departments of the Town team
saw them concede 3 points to one of their play-off rivals
and take a major step backwards in their quest for promotion.
After a bright start which saw Clyde Wijnhard net the ball
within the first couple of minutes only to be ruled offside,
Town's defence was split apart by the Bolton attack and Hansen
fired the ball home after only 9 minutes. It was the Dane
who scored again in the 26th minute to give the visitors a
2 goal cushion at half time.
When play restarted manager Bruce had made two tactical substitutions
bringing on Martin Smith and Simon Baldry in place of Hay
and Armstrong respectively. Baldry did manage to create a
couple of openings on the wing but the strikers were totally
off their game and never looked capable of finishing off his
hard work.
It was left to man of the match Whitlow to complete the Terriers
misery when he nodded the ball past Vaesen in the 58th minute.
It is looking like Town are going to make hard work of the
last few games and the chance to fight for a place in the
Premiership.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Monkou,
Lucketti, C Armstrong (Baldry 46), Beech, Holland, Sellars
(A Armstrong 68), Wijnhard , Hay (Smith 46).
Booked Sellars
Attendance16,404
April 14th Charlton Athletic 0 - Huddersfield Town 1
A Friday night match in London against the runaway league
leaders and in front of the TV cameras. In a game that was
almost embarssingly one sided Town managed to steal the points
after Clyde Wijnhard volleyed home the ball from a Scott Sellars
cross in the first half. This was against the run of play
where Charlton dominated possession and had many more chances
and shots at the target than Town.
Credit must be given to the defence and in particular Nico
Vaesen. The only time Vaesen was stranded was when Ken Monkou
headed a ball against his own crossbar! Manager, Steve Bruce,
has been quoted as saying that the Terriers need only 7 points
from their last 5 games to gain a play off place and here
came three of them. It now affords them a comfortable 6 point
gap over rivals Wolves but they now have a game in hand. It
is going to be a nail biting finish to the season.
Town TeamVaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Monkou, Lucketti,
C Armstrong,, Beech, Holland, Sellars , Wijnhard , Hay .
Booked Jenkins, Wijnhard
Attendance 20,000+
April 11th
It was announced by the club that Kwami Hodouto has been
released immediately and had already returned to France
April 8th Huddersfield Town 0 - Birmingham City
0
Stalemate between two teams who were focussed on defence rather
than attack. This result leaves Town in an even more prcarious
position on the edge of the play off zone and ready to fall
out if they cannot forge positive results in games like these.
Chances on goal were few and far between and the battle was
more of a physical one than skill.
As a result 7th place Wolves have moved to within 3 points
of the Terriers and the final few matches of the season could
prove to be nail biting ones for the McAlpine faithful.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Monkou,
Lucketti, C Armstrong,, Beech, Holland, Sellars (Baldry 85),
Wijnhard (Ngonge 79), A Armstrong (Hay 65).
Booked Jenkins
Attendance 16,961
April 1st Grimsby Town 0 - Huddersfield Town 0
A match where the Terriers took a major step backwards
in their quest for promotion to the Premiership and were fortunate
to come away with a point. In the first half Grimsby launched
wave after wave of attacks and were only foiled by some good
work by the defence and the benevolence of the referee who
turned down a penalty request. After the break Town did manage
to galvanise themselves somewhat, especially after Simon Baldry
deputised for Donis but the killer punch was lacking. Kevin
Grey and Jamie Vincent did manage to fire the ball on target
but both were foiled by the brilliance of the Grimsby keeper.
This result heightens the importance of the match against
Birmingham City next Saturday at the McAlpine Stadium.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Gray,
Lucketti, C Armstrong,, Beech, Holland, Donis (Baldry 54)
Wijnhard, A Armstrong (Hay 71).
Booked C. Armstrong
Attendance 6,993
MARCH 2000
March 25th Huddersfield Town 3 - Crewe Alexandra 0
In a rather one sided match Town din't play to the strengths
that they have in depth but still manged to overcome a poor
Crewe team. Indeed keeper Nico Vaesen had only a couple of
shots to deal with throughout the match. The first goal for
Huddersfield came from Defender Kevin Gray who headed past
Kearton in the 14th minute. After the break it was Chris Beech's
turn to get on the score sheet as he headed home a Holland
shot whilst unmarked in front of goal. Beech added to his
tally in the 79th minute with a shot after loan striker Alun
Armstrong missed.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Vincent, Gray (Baldry
72), Lucketti, C Armstrong,Irons, Beech, Holland, Wijnhard
(Ngonge 65), A Armstrong (Donis 80).
Booked
Attendance 14,014
March 23rd
Manager Steve Bruce signed two new players today to beat
the transfer deadline by a matter of hours. Bruce has purchased
25 year old Chris Hay from First Division strugglers Swindon
Town for £70,000. Striker Hay has signed a two year
contract but is struggling with a hip injury which could keep
him on the sidelines when Crewe Alexandra visit the McAlpine
on Saturday. Meanwhile Alun Armstrong has signed up for a
month's loan from Premiership club Middlesborough. At the
same time veteran Barry Horne has left the club for Sheffield
Wednesday. Darren Edmondson has also left the club.
March 21st Huddersfield Town 2 Nottingham Forest 1
An inconsistent performance but three points is the best
description of this match which saw the Terriers hanging on
for the referee's final whistle towards the end. The game
also was notable for injuries to new striker Martin Smith
and adds to the problems facing manager Steve Bruce as the
season reaches a critical phase.
Forest took the lead in the 20th minute through the impressive
Marlon Harewood despite some early promise from Town. It didn't
take long for the Terriers to equalise and in the 26th minute
Chris Beech slotted the ball home to the home fans delight.
It was then backs to the wall time for Town as Forest penetrated
the midfield time after time. So it was against the run of
lay when Chris Holland scored for Town in the 55th minute
with a sweet 25 yard drive. This was Holland's first goal
for Town and, indeed, his first ever League goal after 90
appearances for all clubs!
Forest hit the woodwork and Vaesen had to be at his best as
Town were put on the rack so when the ref's whistle finally
blew there was a collective sigh of relief from both players
and fans.
Town Team Vaesen, Dyson, Vincent, Gray, Lucketti,
Armstrong, Beech, Holland, Donis (Edwards 89), Smith (Ngonge
23 (Baldry 67)), Wijnhard .
Booked
Attendance 12,893.
March 18th West Bromwich Albion 0 - Huddersfield Town
1
A polished performance from Town and a 4th goal in 4 appearances
for new boy Martin Smith saw the Terriers pick up three vital
away points at The Hawthorns. A spirited start from the Baggies
soon waned as Town sought to put their recent vein of bad
form behind the, They soon took control of the game and it
came as no suprise when Smith popped up in the 22nd minute
to slot the ball home. Although Albion showed more purpose
after the half time interval Town defended well and managed
to come away with the spoils of victory.
On the plus side the game saw the return of Kevin Grey and
Chris Beech who had been kept out for 10 and 7 games respectively
through injury. One negative though was the sight of Dean
Gorre being carried back to the dressing room on a stretcher
after sustaining a twisted knee in the first half.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins,Vincent, Gray, Lucketti,
Armstrong, Beech (Edwards 89), Holland, Gorre (Donis 16),
Smith, Wijnhard (Ngonge 79).
Booked
Attendance 15,484.
March 17th
Despite rumours linking Town with a variety of different
players they have signed Watford striker Michel Ngonge until
the end of the season. 31 year old Ngonge has had limited
playing opportunities since signing for Watford in 1998 and
hopes to make the move permanent. He goes straight into the
squad for the game against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow at
the Hawthorns.
March 11th Huddersfield Town 1 - Walsall 1
What a difference 7 days can make in the hurly burly of
the football world! After their magnificent performance against
Wolves and the embarassing defeat at Swindon the Terriers
managed to scrape a draw after a totally inept performance
against the visitors from the Midlands. After dominating play
in the first half all Town had to show for it was two woeful
attempts on goal from Clyde Wijnhard when one-on-one against
the goalkeeper.
The woeful Wijnhard was subsituted in the 67th minute by Baldry
but it was Walsall who took the lead via Eyjolfsson in the
75th minute but three minutes later Martin Smith equalised.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins,Vincent, Dyson, Lucketti,
Armstrong, Irons , Holland, Gorre, Smith,, Wijnhard.
Booked
Attendance 12,701.
March 8th Swindon Town 2 - Huddersfield Town 0
Oh how the mighty fall as Town go down to bottom of the
table Swindon. And to add insult to injury The Terriers have
two players sent off, Dean Gorre for dissent and Steve Jenkins
for a professional foul. Swindon took the lead in the 11th
minute through Collins and then Hay scored from the penalty
spot in the 89th minutes clinching the points for Swindon.
All in all a dismal performance and one that cannot be repeated
if Town are to remain amongst the play off places.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins,Vincent, Sellars,
Lucketti, Armstrong, Irons , Holland, Gorre, Smith,, Wijnhard.
Booked
Dismissed Gorre, Jenkins
Attendance 4,701.
March 4th Huddersfield Town 2 - Wolverhampton 0
A comprehensive victory and a polished performance saw
Town beat their nearest rivals at the McAlpine Stadium on
a bright sunny day. The Terriers dominated the game which
saw Wolves hardly troubling Nico Vaesens goal. Undoubted man
of the match was the classy Dean Gorre who controlled play
with his silky skills and was unlucky not to score himself.
But the goalscoring was left to new man Martin Smith who scored
his first goals for the club in the first half.. In the 19th
minute Smith slipped round a Wolves defender and shot home
past the keeper. Then in the 35th minute he took advantage
of a scuffed clearance by Oakes and slotted the ball home
past the Wolves goalie. The only downside to the first half
was an injury to key defender Ken Monkou after half an hour.
He was replaced by wingman Simon Baldry who put in a good
performance down the right wing and showed some good skills
when attacking the visitors defence..
In the second half the play switched from end to end but the
form of Town in the first half could not be repeated. Wolves
though could not break down the Town defence and the game
ended with a comfortable win for the Terriers. The result
means that Town retain their play-off position whilst Wolves
drop to 6 points behind them.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins,Vincent, Monkou (Baldry
30), Lucketti, Armstrong, Irons (Sellars 87), Holland, Gorre,
Smith, (Horne 82), Wijnhard.
Booked
Attendance 17,214.
February 27th Norwich City 1 - Huddersfield Town 1
Another old boy took two points off Town as they were
held to a draw by the Canaries. Iwan Roberts scored a typical
header in the 75th minute to give Norwich a share of the points
and spoiled the first half efforts of a rampant Huddersfield
side. Unfortunately the woodwork and good goalkeeping stopped
Town from scoring in the first half but in the 65th minute
Jamie Vincent scored on the rebound after the Norwich keeper
had parried a well crafted Smith shot. After the Town goal
Bruce Rioch made a couple of substitutions and it was one
of these, Forbes, who crossed the ball for Roberts to score.
The Point gained in this fiercly contested match did allow
the Terriers to reclaim the fifth place slot that they had
lost the previous week but once again it allowed the following
teams the chance to close the gap on the play off places.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins,Vincent, Monkou,
Lucketti, Armstrong, Irons (Sellars 80), Holland, Gorre, Smith,
(Thornley 89)Wijnhard.
Booked Gorre, Vincent, Wijnhard, Gorre
Attendance 16,464.
February 18th Huddersfield Town 1 - Manchester City 1
An entertaining game saw both teams share the points but
Town had more possession overall and created more chances
which were wasted by the strikers. In the first half Huddersfield
dominated and were only denied goals by the woodwork and by
some fine saves by the City goalkeeper. However they took
the lead through a curling shot from Dean Gorre after he had
crafted himself an opening. Towards the end of the half Town
were rocked when Monkou, returning after a long layoff, misjudged
a cross and allowing Goater to beat him and shoot past Vaesen.
After the break City had more of the ball but Town had the
better opportunities to score, especially Smith who wasted
two excellent chances.
This game saw the return from injury of three key players,
Monkou, Vincent and Lucketti. Barring any setbacks this should
bolster Town's defence leaving manager Bruce to concentrate
on the lack of goals from the forwards.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins (Dyson 82), Vincent,
Monkou, Lucketti, Armstrong, Irons , Holland, Gorre, Smith,
Wijnhard.
Booked Vincent.
Attendance 18,173.
February 12th Ipswich Town 2 - Huddersfield Town
1
It had to happen and sure enough it did. On his home debut,
Marcus Stewart, the ex-Town striker scored the goal that gave
the home side all three points! In an entertaining match it
was Town who had the opportunity to open the scoring but the
upright saved Ipswich when Wijnhard shot from an angle. But
Ipswich went on to take the lead in the 28th minute when Johnsons
header came back off the woodwork only to find Scowcroft,
who lashed in from ten yards. Chances were there for both
sides but a combination of the woodwork and good goalkeeping
foiled the attackers.
After the break Ipswich were awarded a penalty when Scowcroft
was bundled over in the area but Vaesen denied Johnson with
a marvellous save. Then the Terriers managed to get on equal
terms thanks to the silky skills of Dean Gorre, despite sustained
pressure from Ipswich. He beat one defender and slotted the
ball home in the 56th minute. The deciding goal came in the
73rd minute with a trademark goal from Stewart. As Town fans
will be only too familiar, Stewart swivelled and shot past
Vaesen.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Edwards, Dyson,
Armstrong, Irons (Schofield 83), Holland, Gorre (Thornley
83), Sellars, Smith, Wijnhard.
Booked Armstrong.
Attendance 21,233.
February 5th Huddersfield Town 0 - Portsmouth 1
On a day when Marcus Stewart scored on his debut for his
new club Ipswich, Huddersfield lost to a club some 15 places
below them in the table. Indeed the visitors had only won
once away from home prior to their visit to the McAlpine stadium!
Admittedley Town did look bright in the opening spell and
had ample chance to score, even hitting the post on one occasion
but it was all in vain as old warhorse Claridge scored in
the 74th minute.
Two new players debuted for the Terriers, striker Martin Smith
showed one or two nice touches but overall failed to impress.
Chris Holland came on as a substitute in the second half in
place of Irons but he failed to get a grip on midfield. Overall
it was a poor performance from the home side and the result
added fuel to the fire regarding the offloading of Stewart
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson, Armstrong,
Vincent, Irons (Holland 56), Donis, Gorre , Thornley, Horne
(Facey 82), Smith.
Booked Gorre
Attendance 12,753 .
February 1st
It has been confirmed that Town have sold striker Marcus
Stewart to promotion rivals Ipswich Town for 2.5 million pounds.
Fans favourite Stewart has expreesed his suprise at Town's
decision. Bristol City, Stewarts ex club also stand to profit
from the deal as they negotiated a sell on deal when Huddersfield
signed him and they stand to gain 20 percent of the profit
- some 200,000 pounds.
Meanwhile Town signed striker Martin Smith from Sheffield
United for 300,000 pounds.
JANUARY 2000
January 31st
Barring any last minute hitches Huddersfield should announce
the signing of striker Martin Smith on a three and a half
year contract at a bargain price of just over 300,000 pounds
from Sheffield United. The ex Sunderland forward was undergoing
a medical at the club today and if he passes should sign immediately.
This would be a bonus for manager Steve Bruce as he has Clyde
Wijnhard suspended for the game against Portsmouth next Saturday
at the McAlpine Stadium.
Meanwhile it has been reported that midfielder Chris Beech
strained a hamstring in the draw at Crystal Palace and will
be out of the side for up to six weeks and Jonathan Dyson
has been sent home with shingles. On the positive side defender
Chris Lucketti has returned to full training after being on
the sidelines for three months with a broken shinbone.
January 29th Crystal Palace 2 - Huddersfield Town
2
Despite taking a two goal lead in the first half Huddersfield
only came away with one point after Palace fought back. The
Town goals came in the 34th and 41st minutes from Marcus Stewart
- the subject of recent transfer speculation. The first goal
was a volleyed shot after he was put through by Kenny Irons
and the second a shot past Digby after a poor clearance from
the Palace keeper. Palace resorted to long-ball tactics in
the first half and were kept comfartably in check by the Terriers
Defence.
After the half-time interval Palace quickly regained some
initiative after England Under-21 midfielder Mullins headed
the ball past Vaesen in the 47th minute. This sparked a Palace
revival and in the 77th minute Andy Linighan headed the ball
home to give the home team a share of the points
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson, Armstrong,
Vincent, Irons, Beech (Sellars 4), Stewart, Gorre , Thornley,
Wijnhard (Donis 86).
Booked Armstrong
Attendance 14,290.
January 23rd Huddersfield Town 1 - Tranmere Rovers
0
Back to winning ways although the game was not a joy to watch
for the fans. Marcus Stewart scored what proved to be the
winning goal in the 12th minute, rounding a defender and shooting
past Nixon after he was put through by Gorre. Town continued
to dominate in the first half but failed to penetrate the
Tranmere defence.After the break there were few chances for
either side although Tranmere did have an opportunity to score
in the last minute of the game but Nico Vaesen saved well
from Koumas.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson, Armstrong,
Vincent, Irons, Beech, Stewart, Gorre , Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked None
Attendance 12,653
January 16th Blackburn Rovers 2 - Huddersfield
Town 0
Another disappointment for the 3000+ travelling fans as Town
go down without putting up a real fight. Two goals in the
first half saw resurgent Blackburn take the three points and
adds to the problems of Town manager Steve Bruce. After a
bright start from the Terriers Blackburn took the lead in
the 29th minute after Nathan Blake put through Damian Duff
who scored with a shot acroos Vaesen. Blackburn then wrapped
it up in the 44th minute when Duff crossed for Damien Johnson
to head home. After the break Town were kept under pressure
by Blackburn but managed to keep them at bay with a fine performance
from Vaesen in particular.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Baldry (Donis 70),
Armstrong, Vincent, Irons, Beech, Stewart,Gorre (Edmondson
55), Sellars (Thornley 70), Wijnhard.
Booked Gorre, Irons, Sellars
Attendance 21,420
January 6th
Despite the defensive injury crisis manager Steve Bruce
has flown out to Brazil to act as a TV pundit whilst Manchester
United are involved in the World Club Championship tournament.
Certain members of the public have voiced their disapproval
through the local press by Managing Director Ian Ayre has
been quoted as saying that Bruce has the backing of the Town
board. Meanwhile David May has returned to Manchester United
to have further treatment on his hamstring injury. Town's
next game is on January 15th away to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood
Park.
January 3rd Birmingham City 1 - Huddersfield Town
0
A goal within 12 seconds from the head of Birmingham's Bryan
Hughes summed up the holiday blues for the Terriers. 1 point
out of a possible 9 has seen them drop to fifth in the table
and in need of a strong run of positive results if they are
to maintain their challenge for promotion! Given the current
injury crisis in the defensive ranks Town played with a certain
determination in that area but the cause was not helped when
Kevin Gray was carried off with a suspected fractured ankle
after 20 minutes. Thereafter both sides had chances to add
to the scoring but a combination of gritty defending, the
woodwork and the offside flag kept the scoreline as it was
soon after the start of the game.Nico Vaesen played particularly
well with a good save from a Purse header and winning a one-on-one
situation with Adebola.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray (Dyson 21),
Armstrong, Vincent, Irons, Beech, Stewart, Horne (Donis 73),
Sellars (Thornley 81), Wijnhard.
Booked Jenkins
Attendance 19,558
DECEMBER 1999
December 28th Huddersfield Town 1 - Charlton 2
In the last match of the year/decade/century/millennium Town
were outclassed by a lick Charlton side who gave them a lesson
in football. The first half was totally dominated by the visitors
and it was no surprise that Huddersfield were two goals down
by the break. John Robinson set up the opening goal in the
29th minute with a deft back-heel for Andy Hunt to stroke
the ball home and then scored himself in the 35th minute with
a scorching 30 yard drive which beat Nico Vaesen and nestled
into the top corner of the net. After the break Huddersfield
showed more spirit and took the game to Charlton. Marcus Stewart
headed Town back into the game in the 80th minute but couldn't
force the equalizer and lost their unbeaten McAlpine record
in the process. The injury crisis in the defensive third of
the field continues to haunt Town and they managed to lose
both Kevin Gray in the 19th minute with flu effects and then
Armstrong with concussion when he collided with his own keeper
at the start of the second half.
All in all this was a poor performance by the standards Steve
Bruce has set and he will want to remedy this as soon as possible.
Town lacked competitiveness in all positions and failed to
close Charlton down when they were in possession. This allowed
them to attack Town's makeshift defence at will.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray (Dyson 19),
Armstrong (Horne 49), Vincent, Irons, Beech, Stewart (Edwards
86), Gorre, Thornley (Donis 68), Wijnhard.
Booked Dyson, Jenkins
Attendance 17,415
December 26th Crewe 1 - Huddersfield Town 1
Town relinquished their table-topping position in this draw
at Gresty Road despite taking the lead in the 47th minute
through midfielder Chris Beech after good approach work from
Vincent and Stewart. Crewe responded soon after when Colin
Little equalized with a header in the 62nd minute.Town did
enough to have won this game but once again Clyde Wijnhard
did't apply the finishing touches in front of goal and the
defence was rocked by the Crewe goal. Indeed Nico Vaesen had
to make one of his better saves to deny Tait near the end.
So the pressure mounts ahead of Tuesdays match against third
place Charlton! Another game which will be broadcast live
by the Sky TV cameras. On a sour note loan signing David May
had to be substituted in the 77th minute when he pulled a
hamstring.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, May ( Dyson 77),
Armstrong,Vincent, Irons, Beech, Stewart (Edwards 86), Gorre,
Sellars (Donis 67), Wijnhard.
Booked
Attendance 8,106
December 23rd
Town announced the signing, on loan, of defender David
May from Manchester United. The one-month loan spell will
help Huddersfield provide cover in the light of the long term
injuries to Ken Monkou and Chris Lucketti.
December 18th Huddersfield Town 3 - Grimsby
Town 1
Another game where the Terriers looked a little shaky at time
but the result is what mattered. Town started off well with
some slick passing and incisive attacks. Therefore it was
no surprise when they took the lead through Clyde Wijnhard
in the 6th minute after a Deam Gorre shot was deflected
into his path. Wijnhard went on to score again in the 25th
minute when he shot into the back of the net after Ben Thornley
crossed from the left flank. Before the half time whistle
Grimsby managed to pull a goal back through Groves in the
44th minute due to a defensive lapse. After the break Grimsby
came out with more purpose and the Town defence looked to
be panicking at times. The midfield was also losing possession
too often. Luckily Huddersfield did manage to get their act
together in the 63rd minute when Marcus Stewart kicked the
ball in from close quarters. Thereafter the terriers recovered
the initiative and ended the game on top. They now go into
Christmas still top of the table and hope to start the new
millennium in pole position.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray, Dyson , Armstrong, Irons,
Stewart, Gorre, Sellars (Horne 69), Thornley (Edwards 83),
Wijnhard.
Booked Dyson
Attendance 14,065
December 12th Huddersfield Town 0 - Liverpool 2
The scoreline flatters the Premiership side as Town bowed
out of the FA Cup with a superb performance in front of a
record crowd at the McAlpine Stadium. The t.v. cameras recorded
a strong display from the Terriers and it was only a lack
of finishing from the home attackers that spared Liverpool
a humiliation in front of a national audience. When the final
statistics are calculated they will show that Town had more
shots on goal than the visitors and outplayed them at times.
However it is the number of goals scored which counts and
Liverpool beat Nico Vaesen on two occasions although he was
unlucky not to have saved both of them, The first, before
half time was a wonderful volley fron Titi Camara (36 minutes)
and the second, after the break, a hard shot from Dominic
Matteo (59 minutes).
Town plagued the Liverpool left flank throughout the game
with Ben Thornley (pictured) and Scott Sellars particularly
showing the class that persuaded Huddersfield to sign them.
Deam Gorre displayed the sort of form that dispayed his Ajax
scholing and Kevin Gray was a rock in defence. But it would
be a shame to pick out any player in particular when the whole
side played so well. This exit from the Cup means that Town
can now concentrate fully on the push for promotion to the
Premiership. But the lads can hold their heads high after
this game!
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray, Vincent , Armstrong,,
Irons, Stewart (Schofield 83), Gorre, Sellars, Thornley (Donis
71), Wijnhard.
Booked Gray
Attendance 23,678 (paying a record 263,270 pounds)
December 4th Huddersfield Town 1 - Queens Park
Rangers 0
A solid first half display and a goal from Clyde Wijnhard
saw Town pick up the points that lifted them to the top of
the table. For the first 45 minutes Huddersfield looked the
superior team in all areas of the field. Slick passing and
solid defending was the order of the day and if there was
any negative points it was the fact that they could not manage
to score more goals than the Wijnhard header in the 31st minute.
After the interval it was a different story as Town settled
back on their slim lead and allowed QPR to attack almost at
will. At times the defence seemed to panic and kick the ball
anywhere - more often than not giving the ball back to the
visitors. However Nico Vaesen was almost a spectator in the
Terriers goal throughout most of the game.
Outstanding Town players on theday were Kevin Gray, who gave
a solid display in the centre of defence, Jamie Vincent, who
terrorised the QQPR left flank in the first half before being
man marked, and Dean Gorre (pictured) who displayed class
and vision with his runs and passes from midfield. Bring on
Liverpool next Sunday in the FA cup!
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray, Vincent , Armstrong,,
Irons, Stewart, Gorre (Baldry 73), Sellars, Thornley (Horne
88), Wijnhard.
Booked Vincent
Attendance 13,027
December 2nd
Steve Bruce has been named as Nationwide Manager of The Month
for November after his side's 6 wins out of 7.
NOVEMBER
November 30th Huddersfield Town 1 - Wimbledon 2
(A.E.T.)
In this Worthington Cup 4th round tie Town were unlucky not
to beat their Premiership opponents. After taking the lead
through substitute Scott Sellars in the 40th minute they looked
like taking the tie. Even after Wimbledon equalized through
a superb 30 yard free kick from Alan Kimble the Terriers had
the chance to wrap up the game. Unfortunately the referee
did not award a penalty kick when Clyde Wijnhard was held
back in the penalty area by Dean Blackwell. The local newspaper
printed the pictures the day after and it was a clear and
deliberate foul by the Dons defender. Wijnhard also had a
chance with a header in the 90th minute but didn't hit the
target. So the game went in to extra time and it was Wimbledon
who went through to the next round when Jason Euell headed
theball into the net from a Kimble cross. So Town make their
exit from the Worthington Cup but have the F.A. Cup tie with
Liverpool to look forward to and they have more time to concentrate
on the main goal of reaching the Premiership at the end of
the season.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray, Vincent , Monkou (Dyson
46), Beech (Sellars 34), Irons, Stewart, Gorre (Sellars 90),
Thornley (Armstrong 81), Wijnhard.
Booked None
Attendance 13,312
November 27th Manchester City 0 - Huddersfield
Town 1
A superb victory against top of the table City at Maine Road
gained with a goal from midfielder Chris Beech in front of
the Divisions top attendance of nearly 33,000. City started
off the brighter and attacked the Huddersfield defence with
some relish, narrowly missing when Richard Jobsons header
hit the post but as the first half wore on the Terriers class
began to tell. Unfortunately it was their strikers failure
to finish off some good approach work that saw the teams level
at half time. After the break Huddersfield took the lead on
the 51st minute when Kenny Irons slipped the ball out wide
to Steve Jenkins on the right flank. He crossed and Beech
was there to head the ball past City keeper Weaver and into
the net. Both sides had further chances to score, the best
dropping to Dean Gorre near the end. This result lifts Town
back up to second in the table and moves them three points
closer to top spot , just two points below City. All the more
remarkable was the fact that City had won 8 and drawn 2 of
their last 10 matches.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Gray, Vincent , Monkou, Beech,
Irons, Stewart, Gorre (Sellars 90), Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked None
Attendance 32,936
November 24th Walsall 2 - Huddersfield Town 0
Here was an upset that saw Walsall end Town's 6 match unbeaten
run and saw them drop a place n the division. Town played
without the skill and determination that had seen them steadily
climb up the table and it was two former team mates of Steve
Bruce's, when he was at Manchester United, who sank the Terriers.
Mark Robins scored in the 7th minute with a lovely volley
after the defence had been split by a Dean Keates chip. Andy
Rammell then scored in the 45th minute with a header from
a cross by Chris Marsh. Nevertheless Town did have their chances
but keeper Walker did a fine job for Walsall.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson (Gray 45), Vincent , Monkou,
Beech, Irons, Stewart, Gorre, Thornley (Sellars 53), Wijnhard.
Booked None
Attendance 5,860
November 22nd
Huddersfield Town today gave an 18 month contract to Kiatisuk
Senamuang, a former Thailand policeman. Senamuang becomes
the first Thai player ever to be signed by an English club.
He has had the nickname "Zico" from the age of three
and a website is being built in his honour as he is something
of a Thai national hero. Check out www.zicothailand.com .
November 21st Huddersfield Town were today
drawn against Liverpool in the third round of the AXA sponsored
Football Association Cup. The tie, with home advantage going
to the Terriers, will take place on Sunday December 12th (kick-off
2.00pm) in front of the television cameras of Sky Satellite
Broadcasting. It is a very strong possibility that the game
will be a sellout when the giant Liverpool team come to town.
November 21st Huddersfield Town 1 - West
Bromwich Albion 0
This was an absorbing contest between two good passing sides
which could have ended in a goalless draw but for the brilliance
of midfielder Dean Gorre. The game started with West Brom
dominant and Town keeper Vaesen the much busier than his Midlands
counterpart. Midway through the first half though Town began
to get their game together and threaten the Albion goal. It
took until the 55th minute before Town finally beat their
defence with a super goal from Gorre.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson, Vincent , Monkou, Beech,
Irons, Stewart, Gorre (Armstrong 88), Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked Dyson
Attendance 14,244
November 21st Steve Bruce was made a member
of the board of directors of Huddersfield Town this week.
November 14th Nottingham Forest 1 - Huddersfield
Town 3
A comprehensive victory at the City Ground saw Town reinforce
their postion in the league and shatter Forest's unbeaten
home record. The scoreline could have been even greater as
the Terriers totally dominated the game in all departments
and it was only a mistake from Nico Vaesen that stopped them
from keeping a clean sheet. He failed to get a firm hand to
a Rogers shot cum cross and the ball trickled into the net
despite the best efforts of Kevin Gray. However Town had already
scored two goals courtesy of a sweet curling shot from Clyde
Wijnhard in the 22nd minute and a glancing header from Grey
in the 34th minute. Forest scored their goal in the 45th minute
to make the score 2 - 1 at half time. Town again dominated
in the second 45 minutes and Wijnhard scored his second in
63rd minute, rolling the ball into an empty goal after a mix-up
between Chettle and his keeper Crossley.
The match was televised live by Sky Sports and the TV pundits
heaped praise on this Town performance. Wijnhard justifiably
picked up the Nationwide Man of the Match award (a bottle
of champagne) although this was an excellent performance by
the whole team. Ben Thornley seems to be hitting form at the
right time, the midfield fought for ever ball and Kevin Gray
looks majestic in defence. Town's two strikers, Wijnhard and
Stewart, worked tirelessly to create openings and things are
looking good for the crucial Christmas period. As an aside
Town are now top scorers in the whole of the Premiership/Football
League.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins, Dyson, Vincent , Gray, Beech,
Irons, Stewart, Gorre (Sellars 79), Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked Wijnhard
Attendance 15,258
November 7th Huddersfield Town 4 - Swindon
Town 0
This was a game where the poor play of Swindon contrived to
make Town look better than what they really were. Nevertheless
there were some good moves and some excellent goals on view.
Town started well with a goal from Chris Beech in the 8th
minute with a long range shot which the Swindon's Australian
goalkeeper Talia failed to hold. Then on the 34th minute winger
Ben Thornley scored his first of the season after being put
through by Kenny Irons. Meanwhile Nico Vaesen was something
of a spectator in the Town goal with only a few crosses to
deal with. After the break the Terriers wrapped up the points
with two well taken goals by Dean Gorre, his first for the
club. The first came in the 57th minute and the second, a
delightful chip over the keeper, came in the 63rd. Swindon's
lone striker, ex-Town man Iffy Onuora, rarely looked like
scoring a goal and was superbly shepherded by Kevin Gray.
One or two Town players showed improved form in this game
notably Ben Thornley and Dean Gorre. The latter player showed
touches of class which sometimes beat his own teammates with
their cleverness.
Town Team Vaesen, Dyson, Vincent , Gray, Baldry (Horne
74), Beech, Irons, Stewart (Edmondson 82), Gorre, Thornley
(Sellars 63), Wijnhard.
Booked Gray, Gorre
Attendance 11,891
November 3rd Huddersfield Town 3 - Ipswich
Town 1
A workmanlike and competent performance from Town saw them
rise to third in the table, only four points behind leaders
Manchester City. Ipswich, who were second in the table before
the kick-off, took the lead in the 15th minute after the ball
fortunately fell to Holland who rode his fortune well. 12
minutes later Huddersfield drew level after a corner kick
was headed into the net by Jonathan Dyson when he rose above
the Ipswich defence. After the break Town took control of
the game and it was no suprise when Chris Beech latched on
to Marcus Stewart's scuffed shot to blast the Terriers into
the lead in the 48th minute. Better was to come when Marcus
Stewart showed his class when he chipped a defender and beat
the goalkeeper in the 57th minute. After that Town sat on
their lead and defended resolutely. Attacks were mainly raids
out of defence and keeper Nico Vaesen had a couple of Ipswich
goal attempts to deal with.
Coincidentally Kevin Gray received a booking that takes his
tally to five and results in an automatic one match ban.
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins (Edmondson 82), Dyson, Vincent
, Gray, Baldry, Beech, Irons, Stewart, Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked Gray
Attendance 12,093
OCTOBER
October 30th Sheffield United 0 - Huddersfield
Town 1
A rare goal (his fifth in 8 years) from defender Jonathan
Dyson gives Town the three points in another local derby.
This result also marked a first "double" over United
since 1948, Town's first away win since early September and
their first "clean sheet" in 8 games! Town were
at their best in the first half but the woodwork and poor
finshing left them goalless at the break.After Dyson's goal
in the 51st minute they looked to have lost their conviction
and only the brilliance of keeper Nico Vaesen prevented Sheffield
from punishing them.
Town Team Vaesen, Edmondson, Dyson, Vincent , Gray (Armstrong
66), Baldry, Beech, Irons, Stewart (Gorre 80), Thornley, Wijnhard.
Booked None
Attendance 14,928
October 28th Huddersfield Town today announced
that defender Ken Monkou had signed an 18 month extension
to his initial three month contract. Monkou becomes Steve
Bruce's 8 signing since he took over as manager of the Terriers.
October 27th Huddersfield Town 2 - Barnsley
1
A last gasp, controversial winner from substitute Simon Baldry
saw Town snatch victory against their Yorkshire rivals. In
this entertaining derby match barnsley dominated the midfield
but it was the Terriers who took the lead on the 13th minute
when Clyde Wijnhard swivelled on a Vincent header and powered
the ball in the back of the net. Barnsley immediately set
about trying to bring the match under control but found keeper
Vaesen in top form. Unfortunately the lead only lasted for
5 minutes when Mike Sheron beat the offside trap to fire home
a shot from 20 yards. And so Town were left to make quick
raids on the Barnsley goal until Baldry snatched the winner
in the 89th minute.
Town Team Vaesen, Edmondson, Dyson, Vincent , Gray, Donis
(Baldry 61), Beech, Irons, Stewart, Thornley, Wijnhard
Booked Edmondson, Vincent
Attendance 15,764
October 24th Huddersfield Town 1 - Fulham
1
This was a tale of two halves as Town were lucky to come away
with their unbeaten home record intact. Classy Fulham were
totally dominant in the first half although Stewart did hit
the woodwork in the 30th minute. Only the introduction of
Georgios Donis (for Kwami Hodouto) towards the end of the
first half helped Town with their attack on the visitors goal.
As it was Fulham took the lead in the first half when Jamie
Vincent headed a cross into his own net. It was a gift that
Fulham took with open arms and then proceeded to attack the
Terriers goal with some aplomb, Peschisolido and Horsefield
looking particularly dangerous. After the break Town started
to play with some purpose and attacked the Fulham goal with
some sweet move. Donis was the instigator of some good breaks
down the right and Beech performing well in midfield. Fulham
did look dangerous on the break and had two goals disallowed.
After Ben Thornley replaced Barry Horne in the 70th minute
Town drew level through a well taken shot from Clyde Wijnhard.
After Peschisolido had had a goal disallowed for a foul on
the keeper, the resultant free kick was passed on to Wijnhard
who had raced through the centre of the Fulham defence. Despite
the threat of the oncoming keeper he shot to the right to
delight the home fans.
This was a lucky draw for the Terriers and, despite the number
of injuries to key men, Town must produce better - particularly
in defence - if they are to mount a serious challenge for
promotion. Only three points from a possible 12 in the last
four league matches has seen the leading pack pull away and
Town slip down the table.
Town Team Vaesen, Hodouto (Donis 37), Vincent , Sellers,
Gray, Armstrong, , Horne (Thornley 70), Beech, Irons, Stewart,
Wijnhard Booked Donis
Attendance 13,350
October 20th Stockport County 1 - Huddersfield
Town 1
This was a one-sided match the Town deserved to win but were
lucky to get away with a draw. Indeed Stockport had one clear
chance at goal throughout the game and managed to score from
it. This was in the 21st minute when Ian Moore fired in a
shot from 18 yards which beat Vaesen. The Terriers then left
it until the 89th minute before levelling the score with a
great volley from Scott Sellars after a cross from Ben Thornley.
Wave after wave of Town attacks were repulsed by a resolute
County defence throughout the game. The corner count alone
tells the story, 2 for Stockport and 8 for Town. other interesting
statistics included Coubty being offside 5 times while Town's
attackers were caught 15 times! So was it Stockport's defence
that played superbly or Town's forward line that failed to
take the opportunities that came their way? Current season
results tell us that perhaps the latter is more likely.
More injury problems occured both before and during the match
with George Donis getting injured in training and Steve Jenkins
and Dean Gorre having to be substutued during play. Chris
Lucketti has been ruled out for the next 3 months after picking
up a broken shin last Saturday and Ken Monkou has sustained
a hamstring injury from the same game. Both he and Gorre will
be out of action for approximately 3 weeks. Steve Jenkins
is having X-Rays as he may have broken some ribs. All this
in the face of a visit from third place Fulham on Saturday!
Town Team Vaesen, Jenkins (Vincent 20), Dyson (Sellers
75), Gray, Armstrong, Thornley, Gorre (Horne 38), Beec |
