nPower Championship
6th October 2012
K.O: 19:45, John Smiths Stadium, Huddersfield
Att: 14,597
In Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson’s programme notes, he welcomed back former frontman Jordan Rhodes claiming; ‘he did brilliantly for this football club and although we collectively hope he has a 90 minute goal drought tonight, we all wish him luck for the future as he was a joy to work with’.
That hope was short lived however, but not before Lee Novak put the home side ahead on sixteen minutes despite early pressure from Rovers; midfielders Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica having long range efforts blocked.
Possession was evenly shared thereafter, Blackburn continuing to have the better of the chances, albeit it from distance, the returning Rhodes kept quiet.
Rhodes wouldn’t stay dormant for long, pouncing on a perfectly weighted ball into the box from wide left, with plenty of work still to do; Rhodes controlled and fired home right footed through keeper Alex Smithies’ legs, leaving the net bulging and the home fans in dismay a couple of minutes shy of half time. Ruthless and clinical from the £8million man.
The second half was a much more open affair, Blackburn taking the impetus, from 12 yards no less, a dubious penalty decision awarded on fifty three minutes.
Veteran Danny Murphy calmly stepped up to convert the spot kick, sending keeper Smithies the wrong way in the process.
Changes for Huddersfield added drive and vigour, Alan Lee using his big frame and strength to hold up play ala’ Andy Carroll, teeing up fellow substitute Danny Ward and the pacey Sean Scannell to run at the Blackburn backline.
With four minutes added time remaining, Huddersfield still in search of an equaliser, the ball sent over from the left headed on by Lee, Jordan Rhodes former strike partner Lee Novak was first to the loose ball, controlling poorly but wouldn’t be denied as he bundled the ball past Paul Robinson for his and Towns second.
Proving to be the last kick of the game, home fans were in raptures, Blackburn should’ve been out of sight after Murphy’s penalty, the home side rallied though and were worthy of their point.
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