A substitute gave Huddersfield Town that sinking feeling for the second Saturday in succession as a third game in a row ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Chris Powell’s side could so easily have been celebrating a first win of the season, and while giving away any goal is a setback, to do it so late meant it was an even bigger disappointment.

Town looked as though they would survive Fulham’s late pressure as a game played in hot and humid conditions in SW6 entered the fourth of five minutes added on.

But two slips, allowing Kay Voser to pump a long ball forward, then failing to react fast enough when big defender Dan Burn jumped for the ball in the area, gave Cauley Woodrow his chance.

He followed in the footsteps of Nathan Delfouneso, who came off the bench to net for Blackburn Rovers at the John Smith’s Stadium seven days earlier, by putting the ball past Joe Murphy.

It was especially harsh on the Town keeper, who could do little about the shot and had made some fine saves, not least to push away a Tom Cairney free-kick a couple of minutes before.

While Alex Smithies warmed the bench up the road at his new club Queens Park Rangers, who beat Rotherham United 4-2, Murphy was a stand-out performer at Craven Cottage.

Another goal from Nahki Wells, who put Town ahead in the 63rd minute, was another plus, as was the overall defensive effort, despite that late leveller.

Nahki Wells celebrates his goal against Fulham
Nahki Wells celebrates his goal against Fulham

But the big talking point, before the game as well as after, was of the future of star midfielder Jacob Butterfield as Derby County continue their pursuit.

Rams manager Paul Clement, whose side are also still chasing a first Championship win after drawing 1-1 at Birmingham City on Friday, was reportedly watching his target first hand.

READ: Huddersfield Town boss hits out at Derby County's pursuit of Jacob Butterfield

He’d have seen another determined display from the former Middlesbrough man, who was forced off in the 80th minute because of a thigh niggle.

But if Butterfield isn’t in the Town side for Saturday’s home clash with QPR, it seems more likely to be because he has been transferred than injured.

Jacob Butterfield in action against Fulham

While Powell is eager to keep a player he has described as “pivotal” you didn’t have to read too far between the lines of his post-match interview to feel a touch of concern.

And if Butterfield does follow fellow midfielder Conor Coady out of the club, the boss will have lost one of his most creative players.

The one-time Barnsley and Norwich City player can also unleash a decent shot, as he showed by testing home keeper Andrew Lonergan twice in an even first half.

Joel Lynch caught the eye with his aerial work, particularly before the break, Mark Hudson made a bright return to his first club and left-back Jason Davidson also had his moments.

The returning Sean Scannell could have, but was unable to make the most of two second-half chances, both blocked by Lonergan.

Had the second gone in rather than being pushed for a corner, therefore doubling the lead, then Town would in all probability have claimed all three points.

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It wasn’t to be. Now the challenge is to get the better of QPR, with or without Butterfield or any new faces Powell might be able to bring in.