Huddersfield Town 1, Sheffield Wednesday 0

Mar 30 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It was his selection which covered for Nathan Clarke's suspension in a 4-4-2 formation which Jackson, again, got spot on in tactical terms.

Apart from a few casual moments in the second half, Town were terrific and no-one more so than Mirfin, who underlined his determination to win as a Town player and Sheffield United fan with his brilliant 78th-minute tackle to prevent Lee Peacock getting in a shot.

That exemplified the fighting spirit which was the backbone of victory.

Man of the Match: David Mirfin

THE elder statesman of a centre-back duo totalling just 36 years of age, Mirfin was the outstanding player. It meant a lot to the Sheffield United fan to win as his brother was among away fans

Turning point:

IT had to be the only goal of the game from Jonny Worthington with less than seven minutes on the clock. It came from a neat move in which the telling pass came from central defender David Mirfin, who had stayed up on the edge of the box.

Swivelling superbly to hit a crisp low shot, Worthington beat goalkeeper Paul Gallacher low to his right for his first strike since August. Having made an impressive return to the starting line-up after suspension against Hartlepool, it was the perfect way for Worthington to stamp his authority on the game.

How they rated:

Paul Rachubka Didn't have a serious save to make all night, which says a lot about the defending. Looked confident throughout Rating: 7/10

Andy Holdsworth Involved in the build-up to Town's goal, pushed forward nicely at times and never shirked a tackle at right full-back Rating: 7/10

Rob Edwards Another excellent display at left-back and, in addition to some fine tackles, he put in some decent crosses as well Rating: 7/10

David Mirfin A great performance by the big teenager. He made the goal and his late tackle on Peacock was truly awesome Rating: 9/10

Tom Clarke Pushed Mirfin all the way for the bottle of champagne, even though he's not old enough to drink it! Rating: 8/10

Junior Mendes His first start of the year and he did well on the right wing before moving inside. Should be a boost for him Rating: 7/10

Adnan Ahmed Just gets better by the game and revelled in the pace and passion of the match. Another to push for top marks Rating: 8/10

Jon Worthington Immense in the first half, not only with the goal but with a string of fierce challenges to put the Owls on the back foot Rating: 8/10

Chris Brandon Lost the ball on the run a couple of times, but worked hard on the left and troubled the visitors with his trickery Rating: 7/10

Andy Booth Won his fair share of headers against his old club but couldn't quite get a goal. I'm sure he'll settle for the win though Rating: 7/10

Pawel Abbott Worked hard and linked well with Mendes in the first half. Missed a wonderful chance to seal the game on 43 Rating: 7/10

Spotlight on the ref:

LEE MASON from over the tops in Lancashire had a pretty good night. He appeared to be let down by his assistants on a few occasions, but his overall decision making was good and he never looked in danger of losing control of the game, even when some pretty fierce tackles were flying in.

He got about the pitch well and he was right on the spot to see that Alex Bruce had gone in high and late on Adnan Ahmed for a straight red card after 42 minutes. Town picked up four yellow cards, but they will have few complaints.

Sheffield Wednesday: Gallacher, Bruce, Bullen, Wood, McGovern (Collins 57), Whelan, Rocastle (Brunt 75), Adams, Aranalde, Peacock, Barrett (Talbot 68). Subs not used: Heckingbottom, Hamshaw.