Stevenage Salvage Draw against Huddersfield

A HARD FOUGHT 2-2 draw at promotion chasing Stevenage may have been a result that most would have welcomed but Town threw away a two goal lead and had Alex Smithies to thank for a Penalty save.

The first half was a scrappy affair with Huddersfield just about edging it with a couple of attempts on target to Stevenage’s zero.

Danny Ward had both of those with half volley’s the latter producing a save from Stevenage ‘keeper Day – who was injured with the dive and failed to re-appear at Half Time.

HALF-TIME: Stevenage 0-0 Huddersfield.

Huddersfield started the second half much the brighter and after 5 minutes Lee Novak played a super ball to Danny Ward, who after a poor first touch managed to steer the ball past the sub ‘keeper Alan Julian and into the near post.

The 702 travelling Town fans celebrated wildly, but that was just the start!.

Five minutes later, Goal provider turned scorer as Lee Novak picked up a pass from Jack Hunt and found himself in space the Geordie unleashed a cracking right foot drive that beat ‘keeper Julian who didn’t even move. 2-0 to Huddersfield and this game looked to be as good as over.

How wrong could we be?

As Town replaced the injured Oscar Gobern with Antony Kay, there was a corner to defend – Michael Bostwick rose above the static looking Town defence to pull one back – This would now be a nervy last 19 minutes to the game.

Stevenage were pressing as Town defended deeper and time-wasting tactics came into play.

Stevenage were awarded a penalty on 81 minutes and with everyone’s heart in their mouths Alex Smithies pulled off a brilliant save to deny Scott Laird – It looked like Lady Luck may actually be on our side for once.

Town didn’t heed the warning very well though as Robin Shroot broke clear from a long ball Myrie-Williams provided the cross for the striker to power home an equaliser. Shroot was booked for his celebrations as he took off his shirt.

There was still time in the game for a winner with 4 minutes added time but Town failed to make a chance and as Stevenage pressed, Players, Fans & Management were probably happy to hear referee Mr.D.Whitestone’s Full time whistle

FULL-TIME SCORE

Stevenage 2 – 2 Huddersfield Town.

Huddersfield Town

Alex Smithies, Jack Hunt, Jamie McCombe, Sean Morrison, Gary Naysmith(c), Danny Cadamarteri, Oscar Gobern (Kay,70) Joey Gudjonsson (Robinson,85), Danny Ward, Alan Lee (Higginbotham,74), Lee Novak

Town Bookings. Danny Cadamarteri, Lee Novak.

Town Scorers. Danny Ward (50), Lee Novak (55)

Player Ratings

Alex Smithies 7

A super penalty save – perhaps preserving a point – we had hoped it was saving all 3. Not much he could have done for the two other goals.
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Jack Hunt 6.5

Decent display again at Right Back – perhaps didn’t create as many chances as usual but was solid against a Stevenage side. Like the rest of the defence caught flat-footed for the equaliser as Stevenage outpaced the entire defence with a long ball.
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Jamie McCombe 6.5

Beaten by a long ball for the equaliser with the rest of the defence, pretty good game all round otherwise.
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Sean Morrison 6.5

Perhaps a Harsh penalty awarded against him but Smithies saved his bacon. Beaten by a long ball for the equaliser with the rest of the defence.
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Gary Naysmith 6

Displays have improved whilst having the captain’s armband. The experienced Scot had a decent game but like the rest will be disappointed to have conceded the second to a long ball.
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Danny Cadamarteri 6

Booed by the home fans throughout. Cads put in a shift on the right wing.
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Oscar Gobern 5

Went off Injured again, never seen a player go off as many times in a season injured. Still no-where near his best.
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Joey Gudjonsson 6

A first start of the season for Joey G. Decent display in patches, perhaps his lack of match practice showed, subbed late on for Anton Robinson.
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Danny Ward 7.5

Close call between Wardy and Novak for Man Of The Match. Great Goal and looked a threat throughout. Keep it up Lad.
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Alan Lee 6

Big Alan was in the wars again, no chances for the big man and was perhaps playing too far away from strike partner Lee Novak in the first half.
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Lee Novak 8

A quiet first half, but he and Lee seemed to get it together in the 2nd. Novak laid on an assist for Ward and scored a peach himself. Man of the match.
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Anton Robinson

Not enough time to rate him.
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Kallum Higginbotham

Replaced Alan Lee, as Town dropped to a 4-5-1 formation but he had little impact in his time on the field as Town were playing defensive at this stage.
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Lots of Twitter mentions that this mans first appearance in 2012 coincided with us conceding. Harsh
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Manager Rating
Simon Grayson.

If he didn’t know before what a task he was taking on, he certainly does now.

Two more points dropped from a winning position.

Opponent Rating
Gary Smith.

Must have thought the worst as Town took a 2-0 lead but he inspired his team to a thrilling comeback.