It was double delight for Huddersfield 1^st XI at the weekend as they completed two hard fought wins in two days.  They started the weekend needing two wins and a draw from their final three games but with a squad with an increasing injury list.  However they came out of it with two gutsy performances in contrast to the free scoring play that has got them to the top of the league in the first place.  They now need just a point from the final game to claim the Yorkshire Premier League title and the only promotion spot to the North League for the first time in the clubs history.

Brigg 1^st XI 1 - 2 Huddersfield 1^st XI

Huddersfield traveled to Scunthorpe to face Brigg the team that shattered their title hopes at the same time last season without Jimmy Swinden and host of other players carrying injuries.  They lost Gregory early to a hamstring injury and had Robertson having to play on through illness.  The first half was evenly balanced with Huddersfield creating most of the pressure and restricting Brigg to long balls and trying to catch Huddersfield on the break.  Captain Kelly had the best of the first half chances hitting a powerful strike, but straight at the keeper.  Kaye and Courtney provided most of the attacking threat down the right and the Huddersfield defence did well to handle the pacy Brigg counter attacks.

The second half started badly as Brigg took the lead and at this point Huddersfield’s chances looked bleak.  However Durrans switched to midfield provided some inspiration and a trademark burst down the right from Courtney set up Hirst for a far post equaliser.  The defence were outstanding after that with Peachey and Beatson both bravely saving goal bound efforts.  Durrans then settled the game tucking away a rebound after his first shot came back off the keeper, sealing a victory that Huddersfield really had to dig deep for.

On Sunday:

Huddersfield 1^st XI 2 - 0 Sheffield Hallam 3^rd XI

Huddersfield faced a Hallam side who had been challenging for the league title earlier in the season but had dropped away over the final stages.  Hallam employed very defensive tactics and reduced the tempo of the game well below Huddersfield’s usual pace.  This unsettled Huddersfield who never really found their rhythm and with players missing it was always going to be a fight to get the points.  The Hallam keeper made three fine saves to deny Hirst in the first half including one that was outstanding.  He also denied Gregory but that only served as a sighter for the on form midfielder who then powered a flick into the roof of the net to settle Huddersfield’s nerves.

Huddersfield continued to look like the only winners but with only a one goal lead it was a nervy second half performance.  A barely fit Swinden had to replace Beatson who badly injured his hamstring and he immediately made an impact with only the post denying his shot.  Kelly was tireless in midfield and with only five minutes to go he got a deserved reward as he managed to lift ball over the keeper at the second attempt to make sure of the three points.

Huddersfield now face Ben Rhydding at home on Saturday knowing if the avoid defeat it will be enough to win the league.

Teams

1. Howarth
2. Peachey
3. Swinden (M)
4. Hannam
5. Beatson
6. Kelly (R)
7. Gregory
8. Swinden (J)
9. Hirst
10. Courtney
11. Durrans
12. Kaye
13. Robertson
14. Buckley
15. Presto