Huddersfield Town FC News, Match Reports, Forums and more

Many Town fans will remember the first-ever competitive league game at the McAlpine Stadium was a second division affair in which Huddersfield Town played hosts to the visiting Wycombe Wanderers side that ruined the party-like atmosphere with their one-nil victory. Just over eight years later and Mick Wadsworth will be praying (like many Town fans) that his men will not surrender to the same fate as they did so long ago.

Tomorrow's match has an interesting added hook of the probable unveiling of Town's new signing, 18-year old Peruvian striker Gianfranco Labarthe. In addition to this, the game is another 'quid-a-kid' offering in an attempt to attract more potential Town fans to the McAlpine Stadium. Furthermore, the buckets for donations will be there, so don't forget to add your contribution (I've got my fiver ready - I'm only a poor student!) to the club's funds.
On the team front, Kenny Irons, Thomas Heary, and Paul Macari will be all eager for a call-up to the first team as Town are suffering from the injury to Chris Holland and the uncertainty surrounding several other players.

Various Town players look doubtful. Skipper Steve Jenkins (hip) and winger John Thorrington (ankle) both missed last weekend's dismal defeat at Cheltenham, but might be available tomorrow, while midfielder/full-back Simon Baldry, who picked up a groin injury on Saturday, may also be fit. Nathan Clarke will also be in the squad, hopeful to have a good performance (if given the chance) in his McAlpine return. Paul Scott will also be sanguine of a chance to start in front of the McAlpine masses.

Local hero Andy Booth is out (what a surprise) and according to various reports his return may have been delayed yet another week due to a unique accident last Sunday evening. Apparently Boothy was having a formal evening meal with his family and was suitably dressed in a suit and tie, unfortunately a nasty gust of wind caught the tie and blew it against Andy's face. The collision has caused severe swelling of the cheek and Booth was lucky to avoid a broken jaw!

Last weekend, twelfth-place Wycombe were beaten at home by Town's fellow strugglers Swindon 3-2, while their last away league game saw them draw with Barnsley 1-1. The LDV competition saw them get their last away victory, 4-0 over third division Torquay United. The terriers last league game was a shocking rain-drenched 1-0 defeat away at Cheltenham, while their last home league game was a disappointing 1-1 draw against Colchester, where Jon Stead equalised in the final minutes. Town fans, players and manager will be hoping for a good turn-out and good weather as they attempt to achieve their fifth win of a topsy-turvy season.

I will be attending the game and hope, like so many other terrier fans that we can turn our season around once again with a much needed victory. Due to Phill's absence I will also be taking notes (hopefully between goals) and I will do another match report - win, lose or draw - on the performance of the beloved blue and white.


Andy's Prediction:
Lawrie Sanchez will be licking his lips with the prospect of playing Town again. His side won comprehensively the last time these two elite forces of second division football collided, however this time I believe it will be the Yorkshire fans that are smiling. I predict that Town will triumph with a respectable 3-0 victory where Jon Stead will score a hat-trick in front of his doubting home town fans.

Previous Meeting:
Tuesday, 12th March 2002:
Wycombe Wanderers 4 vs 2 Huddersfield Town (Division 2 match)


Wycombe's One to Watch:
Andy Rammell
The 35-year old striker signed for Town's opponents in September 2000 and has already bagged four goals this season. He grabbed a goal in his last outing against Swindon and his experience may be vital if he is up against youngsters Nat Brown and Nathan Clarke. The attacker may prove to be a slippery customer if he gets a chance in the box.


Probable Town Line-up:
* considering doubtful players are ruled out.

[Formation: 4-4-2]
1. Scott Bevan (goalkeeper)
20. Thomas Heary (right-back)
22. Kevin Sharpe (left-back)
5. Adie Moses (centre-half)
27. Nat Brown (centre-half)
33. Dwayne Mattis (central midfield)
8. Kenny Irons (central midfield)
7. Danny Schofield (right midfield)
19. Martin Smith (left midfield)
14. Jon Stead (centre forward)
31. Paul Macari (centre forward)

Substitutes:
35. Phil Senior (goalkeeper)
4. Nathan Clarke (centre-half)
28. Paul Scott (central midfield)
23. Jon Dyson (centre-half)
29. Jonathan Worthington (central midfield)