Strugglers Huddersfield Town and Rotherham United played out a hard-fought draw in what was an enthralling game, in a real relegation battle encounter at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Story of the match
Both teams laid out their intentions from the very start with a lot at stake in West Yorkshire. After an even start, the game’s first real chance went to Rotherham when midfielder Lewis Wing tested Ryan Schofield from distance.
The game continued its fast-paced nature and in the 23rd minute, the visiting Rotherham United came within inches of breaking the deadlock. Former Terrier Matt Crooks striking the woodwork from inside the box. A massive let-off for the hosts, as Rotherham started to take control of proceedings.
But against the run of play Huddersfield themselves came close to taking the lead, Frenchman Yaya Sanogo’s strike producing a save from Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
Huddersfield came close again shortly after when Johansson produced a wonderful save to prevent Richard Keogh, by this point Huddersfield were very much on top.
After this, the game returned to its balanced nature for the remainder of the first half, as the sides ultimately went into the half time break level.
The intensity continued after the second half with both sides continuing to exchange possession and opportunities, a major moment came at the hour mark however when Lewis Wing tried his luck with a long-range free-kick. The strike beat Ryan Schofield in the Huddersfield goal but was denied by the woodwork which was really coming to the Terriers' aid.
The on-loan Middlesbrough midfielder continued to cause problems for Huddersfield and saw another long-range drive saved by Schofield in the Huddersfield goal shortly after.
At the other end, Yaya Sanogo tried his luck once again from inside the box, once more being denied by the equally resilient Viktor Johansson.
Both sides were urgent and becoming desperate for the win and in the 89th minute, Ben Wiles had a huge chance to earn a vital winner for Rotherham, a poor miss from inside the box preventing him from stealing the three points for his team.
Ultimately, the game would finish level with Huddersfield Town below par and perhaps considering themselves fortunate to earn a point against a Rotherham side, who had the best chances of the encounter at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Takeaways
Sorba Thomas an exciting option for Huddersfield
An impressive performer for Huddersfield Town was Sorba Thomas, who came off the bench and featured prominently in the second half of the encounter on Saturday.
The winger, who arrived at Huddersfield from Boreham Wood in January was impressive in the second half and a breath of fresh air for the Terriers.
His fine display will give head coach Carlos Corberan something to ponder between now and the end of the season, as Thomas revealed all his qualities to the Huddersfield head coach.
Rotherham rue missed chances
The dominant side in the encounter, Rotherham United, will be scratching their heads that they didn’t win the game in West Yorkshire.
Huddersfield once again struggled defensively, with Rotherham United having a handful of chances to win the game in West Yorkshire and take a huge win in the relegation fight.
The Millers had the games best chances and had it not been for their bad fortune being denied by the woodwork, and the excellent goalkeeping of Ryan Schofield, they would have surely won the game.
Man of the Match - Matt Crooks
There were various candidates for Man of the Match in this game, but the player who caught the eye the most was Rotherham’s Matt Crooks.
The tall, combative midfielder covered a lot of ground over the course of the game in West Yorkshire, making a real impression against his former club.
The midfielder was unfortunate not to get a goal in the game as well, with his aforementioned attempt hitting the woodwork.