Worcester City 0, Huddersfield Town 1

Dec 5 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Man of the Match: Paul Rachubka

His dodgy clearance from a 66th-minute backpass could have proved costly, but Town's goalkeeper showed bravery and agility to help achieve a clean sheet and a place in round three.

How they rated:

Paul Rachubka The green-shirted one must have been black and blue after fearlessly hurling himself into the firing line several times. Rating: 8/10

Andy Holdsworth Kept a tight rein on left wing-back Les Hines and did some useful mopping up work to play his part in the clean sheet. Rating: 6/10

Danny Adams Perfectly at home in this no-nonsense physical battle, but could have done without picking up a booking. Rating: 6/10

Mark Hudson Got through plenty of work in the centre of midfield. Tackled well and tried hard to spark some attacks. Rating: 7/10

Nathan Clarke Another calm and solid display against the pace of Adam Webster and physical approach of Leon Kelly. Rating: 7/10

David Mirfin Worked well in tandem with Clarke, Rachubka and the full-backs to foil Worcester's spirited bid for goals and glory. Rating: 7/10

Jon Worthington Not at his best, and had a be careful after a booking, but good workrate, especially after the sending off. Rating: 6/10

Gary T-Fletcher Tried his best to make an impression up front, but this wasn't his day, and gave way to Pawel Abbott at half-time. Rating: 6/10

Chris Brandon Tracked back with hunger diligence, went forward dangerously and took his winning goal really well. Rating: 7/10

Andy Booth Had to use all his height and experience in a tough aerial contest. Reinforced the defence well when needed. Rating: 7/10

Danny Schofield Not a memorable display, although the red card, which rules him out at MK Dons tomorrow, was harsh. Rating: 6/10

Spotlight on the ref:

It's unusual to see a player booked for taking a free-kick too quickly, and Iain Williamson, from Berkshire, was perhaps a little too fast to show the first yellow card to Schofield. His decision to caution Worcester's Adam Webster, who caught Paul Rachubka but was making a play for a loose ball, was also questionable.

Turning point:

It has to be Chris Brandon's 61st-minute goal. His third of the season was well struck from the edge of the area and knocked the stuffing out of Worcester and their fans. The home side, although a man to the good, were looking fatigued and from the moment the ball hit the net, were up against it.

Town substitutes: Abbott (for Taylor-Fletcher, HT). Not used: Carss, T Clarke, Collins, Senior.

Worcester City: McDonnell, Warner, Hines, Smith, Thompson, Lyttle, Colley (Wedgbury, 86mins), Hyde (Clegg, 63mins), Kelly, Webster, Warmer (Preece, 74mins). Subs not used: McDonald, Hodnett.