Huddersfield defeat Leaders Charlton

Huddersfield Town deservedly beat Charlton Athletic this afternoon courtesy of a Jordan Rhodes 14th minute penalty.

Truth be told Huddersfield limited Charlton to one real chance the entire game and fully deserved to take all 3 points this afternoon.

It was Gary Roberts run that was halted in the box by Darel Russell, whose afternoon would get worse, to give Town the chance to open the scoring from the spot.

Lee Novak immediately grabbed the ball and handed it to Jordan Rhodes who sent the keeper the wrong way to secure his 35th goal of the season and surpass Iwan Roberts goal scoring record for Huddersfield Town.

The Terriers dominated the first half and could have had more goals.

Half Time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Charlton Athletic.

The second half started at a much slower pace than the first half which had been pulsating to say the least.

Michael Morrison and Bradley Wright-Phillips had half chances for Charlton before they saw their chances of getting something from this game diminish.

Antony Kay fouled Darel Russell, but the Charlton midfielder retaliated badly and kicked out at Kay, this left referee Carl Boyeson with no other choice than to dismiss the Charlton man, with his dismissal went Charlton’s hopes of an equalsier as Huddersfield ran the game out fairly comfortably.

Full Time: Huddersfield Town 1-0 Charlton Athletic.

Huddersfield Town

Alex Smithies, Jack Hunt, Peter Clarke, Sean Morrison, Tom Clarke; Gary Roberts (Lee 69), Kay (Gudjonsson), Arismendi (Arfield 90), Ward; Novak, Rhodes.

Unused Subs

Ian Bennett, Calum Woods

Goal Scorers Jordan Rhodes (Penalty, 14)

Town Bookings. Antony Kay, Alex Smithies, Lee Novak.

Player Ratings

Alex Smithies

Booked for time wasting towards the end but looked assured when called upon – had little to do truth be told – which was down to the fantastic defence in front of him.

Jack Hunt

Bombed down that right flank all day long – desire & commitment.

Peter Clarke (c)

Back to his best – a real leader on the pitch and great defensive display

Sean Morrison

Solid – great partnership with Captain Clarke – Can we keep him please!

Tom Clarke

Composed at Left-Back – never really tested.

Danny Ward

Opened the game with a strike inside a minute and looked dangerous all game.

Antony Kay

One of his best games in a Town shirt, Challenged for everything.

Diego Arismendi

Assured, Competent midfielder who read much of the play, Inspiring and my man of the match

Gary Roberts

Had to come off after feeling his hamstring – won the penalty and looked dangerous throughout

Lee Novak

Another good shift from the Geordie. Cheekily hid to try avoid a booking.

Jordan Rhodes

35 Goals in 35 Games – Rhodes penalty was enough to win this game for Town.

Alan Lee

Played the last 31 minutes – did what he had to do

Joey Gudjonsson

Replaced the booked Kay for the final 30 minutes.

Came on at 90 minutes for a tired Arismendi – no time to influence the game