Match Report: Southampton v Huddersfield Town

Dec 29 2010 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN could have been two up by the time Lee Novak gave them the lead – but ended up tasting misery at St Mary’s for the second season running.

Two goals in five minutes through Rickie Lambert and Alex Chamberlain meant Southampton were in front by the break.

And Radhi Jaidi’s header seven minutes into the second half, after Gary Roberts gave away a needless free-kick, put the side who put five without reply past Town last season firmly in the driving seat.

Substitute Richard Chaplow’s 72nd-minute effort was the icing on the Christmas cake for home fans.

But for Town boss Lee Clark and the club’s supporters – and full marks to the 901 who travelled through the fog to the South coast – it’s been a distinctly lean festive period so far.

After the 1-0 home defeat by Hartlepool on Boxing Day, Clark, without flu victim Jamie McCombe, saw out the old year by fielding a new-look central midfield and strikeforce.

Tom Clarke, fit again after knee surgery, came in for a first appearance since last season’s play-offs.

He figured alongside versatile Scott Arfield, alleviated of right-back duties by the return from suspension of Lee Peltier.

And up front, Novak made his first start since damaging a hamstring at Plymouth in mid-October, partnering Alan Lee.

And the big Irishman came agonisingly close to a first Town goal when he shaved the far post with a header from Anthony Pilkington’s deep cross from the right 10 minutes in.

Three minutes later, even the Saints fans in a 24,483 crowd couldn’t believe it when Scott Arfield failed to hit an open target after being teed up by Novak.

All seemed well with the world when the Geordie struck in the 16th minute.