Huddersfield Town 1, Brentford 1

Nov 8 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Town had previously gone close when keeper Stuart Nelson failed to hold a Nathan Clarke drive and did well to push the follow-up from Junior Mendes around a post (although it was mysteriously given as a goalkick).

And it was something of a surprise when Brentford suddenly seemed to take charge of the half, animated manager Martin Allen covering himself in tea when throwing his cup to the floor in frustration at one missed opportunity.

It needed the brilliance of Paul Rachubka to save from John Salako when stranded one-on-one in the 35th minute, while Deon Burton was twice left unmarked as the pressure built.

Rachubka - given a tremendous reception on his return - made another outstanding save to keep out Jamie Lawrence's shot on the turn after 55 minutes and, when Sodje scored, it looked as if Brentford would have only a second away win of the campaign.

With Holdsworth immaculate on the right, however, and Schofield working hard to fashion openings down the left, there was hope in Town's play which Mendes and Abbott looked capable of turning into something more tangible.

Mendes, in fact, should have equalised on 67 minutes when Abbott robbed Sodje on the left and fed him the sort of pass which invited a goal, but the sprawling Andrew Frampton managed to block.

After Abbott netted, a flashing 30-yard drive from Holdsworth had the crowd on their feet, while the wing-back turned provider in stoppage time, curling a perfect cross for substitute John McAliskey just six yards out.