Blues’ doggedness too much for the Terriers

Andy Munro enjoys Blues’ 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

Blues had to battle hard to preserve three points at home to Huddersfield in a mainly backs to the wall second half but deserved their spoils courtesy of an excellent first period.

Huddersfield are no mugs and are likely to be challenging for a play-off place again so it was an impressive and battling performance along the lines that John Eustace had promised the fans when he was appointed.

Juninho Bacuna, thankfully now a permanent addition and no longer a loanee, was undoubtedly the star of the show but the vast majority of players were not far behind. In goal John Ruddy was a commanding figure and illustrated why he once turned out for England while the three in front of him were quick and commanding, Auston Trusty probably the pick again.

Wingbacks were also impressive with Maxime Colin quietly effective and Przemysław Plancheta studious in his defensive role then lightning quick going forward, fully deserving his goal. In the middle, apart from Bacuna, Jordan James was also influential until he tired while Ryan Woods was perhaps the only questionable performance on the day, still a bit lightweight when his duty is to protect the back four and not lose possession.

Up front, Scott Hogan also tired but fair play to him for notching a typical opportunist opener. Alongside, Troy Deeney played a calm and clever role although, much as I wish him well, the Juke looked the more dangerous of the centre forwards when he came on. Certainly, if there was one position that I would pick to add to the squad, it would be a genuinely quick central striker.

Finally, if I had one criticism of the performance it is that we played too deep for much of the second half, inviting the opposition on, but maybe I’m being a bit curmudgeonly in saying that.