VICTORIOUS Huddersfield Town head coach Michael Duff says his side’s attitude to adversity was the most pleasing aspect of their 2-0 derby triumph over former club Barnsley – on an afternoon when the hosts refused to give up and fought, eventually winning late on.
Town have lost seven out of their last eight competitive games, including two home defeats to Northampton Town and Blackpool.
Town dominated the first half, but were unable to break through.
They didn’t panic, even as the clock crept down, and took the lead on 83 minutes with a cracker from Ben Wiles.
Fellow midfielder David Kasumu, on his birthday, added a late second from distance to seal a well-deserved victory for Town and Duff over his former club.
Duff, who will visit Barnsley in a Trophy encounter on Tuesday, believes his team was worth the win. You will never dominate 90 minutes, but I believe we were the dominant team throughout 90 minutes against a talented squad.
“At 0-0 at halftime, there’s always a little bit of concern because you’re wondering if we’ve missed our chances. The most satisfying aspect of today was that we went in at 0-0 and didn’t panic.
“The fact that Barnsley had a 10-15 minute spell in the second half and stayed focused and had to sit down for a few minutes before returning was a good.
“Because part of the mentality we’re trying to break is individuals putting themselves through a little adversity.
“We scored a worldie at the end to win the game. But it was either that or go in via someone’s behind.
“From my perspective, once you bring the players to a certain point on the pitch, it’s up to them.
“We’ve found every way to lose a game in the last month, whether it’s due to referee decisions, us shooting ourselves in the foot, or an injury, and we haven’t responded to any adversity.”
“That was the most enjoyable part today. There was a lot of terrific football and performances – I believe we have some good players – and I thought the fans were great from the start.
“Obviously, there has been some noise and heat. So to execute that performance knowing that the fans might have ‘gone’ but didn’t is extremely satisfying.
“We know where we stand with the supporters’ base. There is a lack of trust, and the fans have been let down for a long time, so we must rebuild that relationship by providing performances and victories. I told the players that it is up to us (to rebuild). We need to win their trust.
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