JPT Match report: Chesterfield 3 - 3 Huddersfield (4-2 after pens)

Oct 7 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN crashed out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on penalties after a stunning fightback at soggy Saltergate.

Stoppage-time strikes by Anthony Pilkington, his second of the second-round tie, and Nathan Clarke rescued Town from 3-1 down.

But spot-kick misses by Pilkington, who blazed over, and Jim Goodwin, whose effort was saved, meant Chesterfield won the shoot-out 4-2 without having to take their fifth penalty.

For the record, Robbie Williams and Antony Kay put away their penalties, but that will be of little consolation to boss Lee Clark.

His selection was limited because of a suspension for skipper Peter Clarke, injuries to right-back Lee Peltier and midfielder Danny Drinkwater, and strikers Robbie Simpson and Theo Robinson both being hit by illness.

Andy Butler, Michael Collins, Gary Roberts, Pilkington and Jordan Rhodes all returned to the starting XI as Town tried to snap a run of three successive away defeats and five games without a win.

Clark also named 17-year-old academy winger Aiden Chippendale among the five substitutes permitted in this competition.

Chesterfield, who included newly signed Wolves loan defender Mark Little, were chasing a fourth straight win at their crumbling Saltergate home, which will be abandoned when they move to a new stadium next season.

Town, with Kay handed the captain’s armband and James Berrett playing at right-back, adopted a 4-5-1 system, and with the rain coming down heavily, lone striker Rhodes had the first shot on four minutes.

Fed by Joe Skarz, he played a neat one-two with Pilkington, with his shot deflected for a corner.

The game was being played at a good tempo, and Chesterfield’s first real attack came as they counter-attacked from another Town corner in the 19th minute.

Jamie Lowry latched onto a long ball out of defence, but Town keeper Alex Smithies read the situation well and came out of his area to kick clear.

Pilkington’s awkward cross-cum-shot on 21 minutes was well held by home keeper Tommy Lee before Town had a let off in the 29th minute.

On-loan Manchester City midfielder Donal McDermott picked out Jack Lester, and while he was blocked out by Butler, the ball spun free to right-back Drew Talbot, who curled a 20-yard shot just over.

Pilkington, playing mostly wide left, was busy, and his shot on the turn from Roberts’ 32nd-minute pass brought another save from Lee.

Soon after, Rhodes shot wide from distance following Kay’s neat back-heel.