It ended all square at The John Smith’s Stadium with Huddersfield Town remaining unbeaten in their previous nine league outings. 

Story of the game

The contest got off to a slow start, until Josh Koroma’s knee-heigh challenge on Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis spiced things up in the 20th minute. 

The Stoke City defender cleared the ball out, as the lunging Koroma caught the 19-year-old, but went unpunished with referee Gavin Ward waving play on. 

Mario Vrancic’s effort at the other end kept Terriers’ goalkeeper Lee Nicholls busy.

Just six minutes later, it was Koroma back in the thick of it all, as his deflected effort found the back of the net. The forward cut inside from the left hand-side, with Ben Wilmot’s ricochet leaving Jack Bonham standing in the Stoke City goal. 

The Potters felt as though they deserved a penalty, with two shouts turned down by the officials. Tom Lees’ late tackle on Tyreece Campbell seemed a blatant foul, but the referee felt otherwise. 

The opening 15 minutes of the second half produced quite a cagey affair, with both sides lacking creativity after the break.

Nick Powell’s 60th minute introduction tipped the game into Stoke’s favour, with the creative midfielder bringing a different dimension to the Potters.

Five minutes later, Stoke boss Michael O’Neill made his third and final change, throwing on Jacob Brown, with the 10th place side knocking on the door. 

In the 78th minute, the breakthrough finally came for the visitors. 

On-loan Aston Villa youngster Jaden Philogene-Bidace pounced on a misplaced pass deep into the Huddersfield Town 18-yard box. The 19-year-old’s effort hit the post, with Tyreece Campbell’s rebound effort then blocked by Harry Toffolo. 

It was only until Ben Wilmot picked up the pieces, setting up substitute Brown who fired in a fantastic effort into the top corner. 

Next up for Huddersfield is Wayne Rooney’s Derby County, with the Potters hosting Wigan Athletic for a fourth-round FA Cup clash. 

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