Jack Payne notched twice as Huddersfield swept aside League 1 opponents Port Vale to reach the fourth round of the competition.
David Wagner started a similar side to the one away at Wigan, including a debut for loanee Isaiah Brown. Managerless Port Vale would have to be at their best to cause an upset at the John Smith’s.
The Terriers had the majority of the ball in the opening stages, but without really threatening the Vale defence. No out and out striker was named in their starting 11, although Kasey Palmer, Jack Payne and Isaiah Brown were all huge threats in attack.
Tareiq Holmes-Dennis had the first real chance of the match when he linked up well with Brown. The left back drove into the box before defender Nathan Smith stopped him in his tracks.
Afterwards, Danish midfielder Phillip Billing tried his luck with a 25 yard shot which flew high and wide of the target.
In the 22nd minute there was a break in play due to an injury to Vale keeper Jak Alnwick. He spectacularly kept out a Mark Hudson header from a corner. Unfortunately the momentum from his superb save, sent the ex Newcastle goalkeeper crashing into the post. Treatment was provided for Alnwick and thankfully he was ok to carry on.
Alnwick was quickly forced into action once more as he turned away Joe Lolley’s powerful effort.
But in the 28th minute, Town found the breakthrough, Izzy Brown skipped past two Vale men and slipped the ball to Joe Lolley who laid it off for Payne to stroke home off the left hand post.
Huddersfield could’ve doubled their advantage in stoppage time as Kasey Palmer was played in by Jon Gorenc-Stankovic. But when one-on-one with Alnwick he curled the ball over the bar.
15 minutes into the 2nd half, Alnwick’s injury got the better of him. Miguel Santos was his replacement in goal.
Town should’ve been two or three ahead after missing several chances, but they eventually did put the game to bed in the 73rd minute when Kasey Palmer took a touch before unleashing a strike which deflected in from 20 yards out.
With ten minutes remaining, Huddersfield made it three. Tommy Smith picked out on onside Harry Bunn who ran clear and cut inside onto his left foot before finding the top left corner from inside the box.
In the 84th minute Jack Payne tapped in his second of the afternoon to finish a well worked move from Town. Palmer picked out Holmes-Dennis on the left who laid it on a plate for Payne to prod home.
A day to forget for Port Vale who only managed a tame, 2 shots on target. Meanwhile Huddersfield cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a professional display.
Player Ratings:
Huddersfield Town: Joel Coleman 6, Martin Cranie 6, Mark Hudson 6, Jon Gorenc Stankovic 7, Tareiq Holmes-Dennis 7, Phillip Billing 6, Dean Whitehead 6, Jack Payne 8, Kasey Palmer 7, Izzy Brown 7, Joe Lolley 7.
Substitutes: Harry Bunn 8, Aaron Mooy 7, Tommy Smith 7.
Port Vale: Jak Alnwick 7, Ben Purkiss 5, Remie Streete 6, Nathan Smith 5, Kjell Knops 5, Anthony De Freitas 5, Anthony Grant 5, Sam Kelly 5, Ryan Taylor 5, Jerome Thomas 5, Rigino Cicilia 6.
Substitutes: Sam Hart 5, Miguel Santos 5, Anton Forrester 6.
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