Port Vale 0, Huddersfield Town 3

Sep 13 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It was obvious from the opening minutes of the second half, too, that Town were taking the game by the scruff of the neck and both Worthington and Schofield hit the side netting before Abbott started his goal spree.

Jackson's men were totally in charge from the moment they took the lead and there was even time for Jackson to give Akpo Sodje a League debut from the bench - the first time brothers have played for the first team since Sam and Simon Collins.

However, this was Abbott's day and he went home with the match ball signed by his teammates. Let's hope the Poland selectors have taken note.

HOW THEY RATED:

Ian Gray Saved a Paynter header and a James shot but otherwise had little to do. Commanded his area very well Rating: 8/10

Andy Holdsworth Started the move for the first goal and got forward excellently all game. He tackled well and hardly wasted a pass. Very solid Rating: 8/10

Rob Edwards Released Brandon to set up Abbott's hat trick goal and snuffed Levi Reid completely out of the game. Dominant Rating: 8/10

Steve Yates Very efficient display and the normally tricky Vale attack hardly got a look in. Made two vital interceptions near goal Rating: 8/10