Huddersfield Town 2, Port Vale 1

Dec 27 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Man of the Match: John McAliskey

JUST pipped Nathan Clarke to the award. Considering he's been frozen out this term, it was a great effort by Macca and, while he didn't score, he led the line well and created plenty

How they rated:

Paul Rachubka Made two vital saves from wingman Birchall at the start of the second half which took the sting out of Vale Rating: 7/10

Andy Holdsworth Did his best work in the first half, when one great cross ought to have been smashed in by Schofield. Worked hard throughout Rating: 7/10

Rob Edwards Had a tough time against the speedy Birchall and was taken off. Earlier made a couple of terrific tackles Rating: 6/10

Nathan Clarke Commanding once again at the back, where his reading of the game marked him out. Very solid contribution Rating: 8/10

Efe Sodje Had a niggly battle with Paynter which looked like it might boil over at one stage. Won some brave headers. Rating: 7/10

Tony Carss Made some excellent forward runs in a bright opening and grafted hard with Worthington in the centre of midfield Rating: 7/10

Jon Worthington Left a few studmarks on a few Vale shins, although it was no easy game for the midfield as they were pushed hard Rating: 7/10

John McAliskey Did a splendid job for the team on his return to the starting line-up, winning headers and showing his clever skills on the ball Rating: 8/10

Danny Schofield Scored a cracking opening goal, his fourth of the season, and might have had another as he did well on the left Rating: 7/10

Pawel Abbott Took his tally for the season to 16 with what proved the winner. Also denied by a fine save from Brain on 49 mins Rating: 7/10

Chris Brandon Used his pace to good effect when tracking back to cover quick breaks from Vale. Did well on the right flank Rating: 7/10

Port Vale: Brain, Pilkington, Loran, Cummins, Paynter, J Smith, Brown, Rowland, Birchall, Eldershaw (Reid 74), Hulbert (Matthews 74).

Subs not used: Anyon, Abbey, D Smith.