Following their comeback victory over Yorkshire rivals Barnsley 2-1, Huddersfield Town manager Michael Duff commended his team for their response to the halftime annoyances of the supporters.
The first goal from Jon Russell put the visitors behind at halftime, but two goals from Josh Koroma and Ben Wiles in three minutes in the second half altered the tide of the match.
The Terriers’ victory streak of five games was ended, and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs were increased.
“It’s challenging, there’s pressure when there are 4,000 fans, but the players have to cope with it,” Duff stated.
We had opportunities to open the score before the goal and have produced 19 chances away from home. How Josh (Koroma) missed the header right before is beyond me.
We have some good players, but the players need to realise that and make the right decisions. But to come back from a goal down in a local derby takes courage.
“Going down a goal and reacting to show that they still care is the best way to win.”
Duff could see why some spectators were jeering his team during halftime. “We had a set-up way of playing, and they didn’t do it,” he stated. Despite our repeated attempts, we were unable to get in from one or two passes.
“They took a little bit of heat from the supporters and from me. Stand up and do your job properly and they did.”
Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke was furious with his team’s second-half showing.
Clarke said: “I have to calm my nerves because I am angry and frustrated. I am the boss and take responsibility and accountability all the time, but I thought today, certainly in the second half, the players were nowhere near the level they needed to be at.
“It’s been a regular occurrence for too many games this season.
“In the second half we never got going. Don’t get me started on the goals – our free-kick, they counter and score. The second one, I’m speechless, players have a job to do and they don’t do it.”
Clarke insisted Barnsley would still be in play-off contention despite their poor form, saying: “I think there are six or seven players in my group who are top-six League One players and the rest I’ve got to try and get them up to that level.
“I believe I will get success here, but it will just take more time than I would have hoped. Sometimes that team comes with a late run and I don’t see why that can’t be us.”
