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Unbeaten in 2003, Huddersfield Town will play host to fellow strugglers Peterborough United this Saturday afternoon, weather permitting. In the midst of a bitterly cold spell, Mick Wadsworth's men will have to run their socks off if they are to keep warm, and hopefully they'll claim their sixth win of the campaign in the process. A victory would also see the terriers leave the very bottom of the league as they would leapfrog The Posh if they were to slay them.

Without a game last week, due to the combination of Town failing to progress past Swindon in the FA Cup (Round 1) and Plymouth Argyle earning a place in the 3rd Round, Mick Wadsworth will be hoping that 2003 will be a turning point for the club and himself. Literally a make or break year for the Terriers may see them either get relegated and bankrupt, or go on a good run which might propel them into the playoffs, with a chance of returning to Division 1.

However, Wadsworth will have a few selection problems due to suspensions and injuries. With Nathan Clarke, Gareth Evans and Chris Holland not fit enough to play, Town will probably rely on the defence of Adie Moses and defender come striker Nat Brown, once again. Furthermore, Jon Stead, Kevin Sharp and Danny Schofield are all suspended after collecting five yellow cards each. Consequently, the released youngster Adam Fowler might be dramatically called back into the fray to play left-back as a replacement for Sharp.

Regardless, many travelling Town fans will remember the last time these sides met, for one of two reasons. Initially, Dwayne Mattis opened his account for the season with a stunning volley from outside the box, on a scorching summer's day. While others may recall the incident where a travelling Town couch caught fire on the motorway and terrier fans from the Supporters' Club had to wait at London Road for the Travel Club coach to return and pick them up after offloading Travel Club fans in Huddersfield.

Nevertheless, last Saturday The Posh ground out an impressive goaless draw with high flying Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, while their New Year's Day game saw them lose 2-0 to Queens Park Rangers. The terriers last league game was an unfortunate 1-1 draw with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road with Blackpool equalising with a late penalty after Andy Booth had put Town in front, while the last McAlpine outing was an equally unfortunate 2-1 defeat on Boxing Day at the hands of Tranmere Rovers and some shoddy Adie Moses defending.

Wrapped up nice and snug with about three vests, two jumpers, my Town shirt, coat, scarf, bobble hat, gloves, long-johns and jeans, I will take my seat along side fellow terrier fans to witness our beloved blue and white's opening game of 2003 on the hallowed turf of the splendid McAlpine Stadium. Unfortunately, due to external examinations, I doubt if Phill will be concocting another excellent match report for this game, but I am almost certain that I will not be attending the Crewe game, therefore I won't be able to report on it.


Andy's Prediction:
Hopefully the rest since the Blackpool game will have done the players some good, and with the transfer window now open, many of our better players will probably be scouted at the game. With this in mind, I believe that Martin Smith will be the most impressive player, grabbing two goals in a 2-0 victory for Town.


Previous Meeting:
Saturday, 17th August 2002:
Peterborough United 0 vs 1 Huddersfield Town (Division 2 match)


Peterborough's One to Watch:
Andy Clarke
Barry Fry's number nine is probably a tricky customer as he has Premier League experience with Wimbledon. Even though he is only 5'11" he has 13 goals so far this season and will be hoping to add to his tally this year. Peterborough are as desperate for three points as we are, so this 35-year old striker may feel the pressure when he is confronted by messieurs Brown, Moses and Bevan.


Probable Town Line-up:

[Formation: 4-4-2]
1. Scott Bevan (goalkeeper)
20. Steve Jenkins (right-back)
??. Adam Fowler (left-back)
5. Adie Moses (centre-half)
27. Nat Brown (centre-half)
10. John Thorrington (right midfield)
20. Thomas Heary (central midfield)
8. Kenny Irons (central midfield)
14. Jon Stead (centre forward)
13. Andy Booth (centre forward)
19. Martin Smith (left-midfield)

Substitutes:
35. Phil Senior (goalkeeper)
33. Dwayne Mattis (central midfield)
29. Jonathan Worthington (central midfield)
13. Lee Ashcroft (centre forward)
17. Eddie Youds (centre-half)