Match Report: Carlisle United 2 Huddersfield Town 2

Jan 3 2011 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CARLISLE’S late onslaught proved just too much for Town to withstand as hopes of starting 2011 with a morale-boosting victory were dashed.

Lee Clark’s side looked well set for a three-point haul after substitute Scott Arfield added to Peter Clarke’s first-half strike with a well-taken 63rd-minute goal.

But Carlisle boss Greg Abbott made an inspired change when replacing Leeds loanee Mike Grella with Francois Zoko after 57 minutes.

The Ivorian breathed new life into the home team and pulled a goal back with a 71st-minute header, setting the stage for James Chester, the on loan Manchester United defender, to force home an 82nd-minute equaliser from ex-Town man James Berrett’s corner.

Over the piece, a point each was probably fair, with both sides scoring twice and hitting the woodwork.

But Town will be disappointed to have let slip a two-goal advantage, and what would have been a first win in three league games.

Still struggling with the effects of the flu bug which has swept through the camp, Clark made five changes to the side which lost at Southampton.

Out went the suspended Antony Kay, Graham Carey, Arfield, Gary Roberts and Anthony Pilkington, with top scorer Jordan Rhodes remaining on the bench and Jamie McCombe ruled out after a fitness test.

In came Nathan Clarke, for a first appearance of the season, Liam Ridehalgh, Joey Gudjonsson, debutant Hull loanee Kevin Kilbane and Benik Afobe, as well as a 4-3-3 system.

Kilbane lined up alongside Tom Clarke and Gudjonsson in midfield, with Afobe joining Alan Lee and Lee Novak in attack, and Town began brightly, with Tom Clarke and Gudjonsson both forcing smart saves from Adam Collin in the fourth minute.

Berrett’s corners were to cause problems all afternoon, and Gary Madine headed right across the face of goal from a neat delivery in the 12th minute.

But Town were good value for their lead, with Lee hooking a shot off target and Novak having a shot blocked before Peter Clarke chalked up his first goal of the campaign in the 24th minute.