Graysons Terriers defeat Clark’s Birmingham

Huddersfield Town got back to winning ways at the expense of former manager Lee Clarks Birmingham City.

Huddersfield started the game the brighter of the sides creating several early chances that should have served as warning to Birmingham.

Jermaine Beckford opened his Huddersfield Town account and scored on 25 minutes, a goal that would prove to be the winner.

Birmingham saw Nicola Zigic sent off in the second half for a late challenge on Callum Woods, but at best it probably only deserved a yellow. thier afternoon got worse as Curtis Davies had to leave the field injured as Birmingham chased the game but they failed to test Alex Smithies all afternoon.

Smithies did have one crucial save to make on 94 minutes, but otherwise Town ran out comfortable winners.

Jack Butland was named the man of the match for Birmingham, the 3rd Keeper to win that accolade against Town this season, and that in itself tells a story.

Huddersfield head home with all 3 points, thoroughly deserved.

Player Ratings

Alex Smithies 7
barely anything to do all afternoon but when he had to be called into action looked assured

Jack Hunt 8
Picked up a yellow for a silly challenge late in the second half, looked good going forward and not really tested defensively

Peter Clarke 8
Some fantastic blocks and challenges at the back when required, unlucky from a set piece as he was adjudged to have pushed the Birmingham defender, forced a fantastic save from Butland.

Anthony Gerrard 7
Solid & building a good partnership with the skipper

Callum Woods 7
Drew the foul for Zigic’s red card, looked assured on his first start of the season

Adam Clayton 7
Solid display in midfield, should have done better in setting Novak away in injury time as Town could have made it comfortable

Keith Southern 8
back to his best, harrying and tackling in midfield, even had a couple of strikes at goal which were both blocked

Oliver Norwood 7
Much improved display from last two games – set-pieces quality as standard

Danny Ward 8
Perhaps with a point to prove to former manager Lee Clark, or just a continuation of his good form, Wardy was inspired today

Jermaine Beckford 7
Looked fitter and scored the winning goal, his combination with Vaughan over the coming months could be deadly

James Vaughan 9
returned from injury and was my man of the match, he just makes it all happen for Town. Winning the ball, holding up play, bringing others into the game and tracking back – this lad has got it all. Assist for Beckfords goal to boot.

Lee Novak 6
Little time to get truly involved but worked hard and could have had a goal, if Clayton had been a bit more precise with a late through ball.

Adam Hammill 7
Tricky, skilful and what a sub to bring on, a defenders nightmare, was involved in everything after his introduction
Unfair to rate him as only on the filed for under aminute

Manager Rating
Simon Grayson – tactics away from home spot on yet again.

Opponent Rating
Lee Clark – Not a good display from his new boys as they failed to cope with Town’s tempo and fluid passing game