Huddersfield Town 2, Colchester United 0

Feb 13 2006 by Mel Booth, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Turning Point:

NOT until David Graham raced through to score Town's second goal - his third in as many games - did anyone relax because Colchester, despite being down to 10 men, always looked dangerous going forward. Graham's strike made the final 22 minutes much more comfortable for Peter Jackson's side, cheered on by over 13,000

Man of the Match: Gary T-Flectcher

Made the most of his chance and held off the likes of David Mirfin to take the top award in a match where Town grafted and earned a bit of good luck

How They Rated:

Phil Senior Made a fine save from Garcia on the break and rode his luck with help from the woodwork. Got in some decent punches Rating: 6/10

David Mirfin Did exactly what manager Peter Jackson predicted and had a very solid game at right-back . Strong going forward Rating: 7/10

Dan Smith Had his work cut out first half to deal with Halford but eventually looked very competent and used the ball well Rating: 6/10

Martin McIntosh Got stronger as the game went on and started winning more headers. Made a good flick from a set piece Rating: 6/10

Nathan Clarke Brave as ever in the tackle, he made some great challenges in the second half and looked dominant once again Rating: 7/10

Michael Collins He won't play against a better midfield all season but stuck to his guns and was always available for the ball Rating: 6/10

Jon Worthington Made two goal-saving tackles and also on the scoresheet, so it was as good as a hat trick. He really grafted hard Rating: 7/10

Gary T-Fletcher Never stopped running and, when he had the ball, he was always willing to run straight at the defence. Excellent Rating: 8/10

Chris Brandon Plenty of nice build-up play and worked hard in the unusual slot of left midfield. One cracking drive inches wide Rating: 6/10

Andy Booth Didn't get a sniff of a decent chance, but he took the aerial battle to the visitors and played some neat through balls Rating: 6/10

David Graham One or two touches of genuine quality and his clinching goal was finished in masterly style. Sign him up! Rating: 7/10

Spotlight on the ref:

BOTH managers felt that Graham Salisbury was inconsistent and Phil Parkinson accused him of getting all the major decisions wrong. In his favour, he certainly tried to let the game run whenever possible. The dismissal of Garry Richards seemed harsh as other defenders were racing back but Mr Salisbury had no doubt.

Colchester: Davison; Duguid, Brown, Richards, White (Elokobi 87); Halford, Watson, Danns, Yeates (Baldwin 54); Iwelumo, Garcia (Williams 77). Subs not used: Gerken, King.