Huddersfield Town 2, Colchester Utd 2

Apr 18 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

He wrongfooted Town left-back Danny Adams to surge into the box and fire over a cross which Rachubka could only palm into the path of Danns, whose shot flew between Tom Clarke and Ahmed and into the net.

But Town were behind for less than 90 seconds - thanks to Abbott's quick thinking and accurate right foot.

Having been fouled by Chilvers as he advanced towards the area, Abbott got back to his feet and, seeing that goalkeeper Aidan Davison was still arranging his wall and out of position, curled the ball into the former Bradford stopper's right-hand corner.

It was an effort reminiscent of Thierry Henry's strike for Arsenal against Chelsea at Higbury back in December, and Colchester were just as angry as John Terry and Co had been.

Whistler Woolmer, however, was happy, and Town were level.

Colchester had the better chances in the remainder of the first half, with Rachubka holding a low shot by striker Marino Keith, Watson shooting wide from a good position, and Keith firing over after a Watson effort had been blocked by Nathan Clarke.

Town had fashioned few chances, but made the most of the one that came their way in the 62nd minute.

Abbott provided a neat cross from the right, Booth rose to head the ball on and Schofield, in plenty of space, made no mistake with a sweet shot which gave Davison no chance.

Town were disrupted six minutes later when Tom Clarke, having had an excellent game, was forced off with a hamstring strain sustained while sliding in to tackle Keith.

Abbott came close to stretching the lead with a 79th-minute shot which Davison held low down before Nathan Clarke was sidelined after 86 minutes with a gashed lip sustained in an aerial meeting with Keith.

There was a nervous moment on 88 when striker Greg Halford headed over, then misery when Chilvers pounced.

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