Huddersfield Town Under 21s made it seven wins on the bounce to progress to the next round of the Premier League Cup following an impressive 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
A first-half goal from forward Ronan Coughlan set up an away tie against Middlesbrough in the round of 32.
Flo Bojaj had a fairly quiet game but didn’t do too much wrong, Philip Billing and Duane Holmes particularly impressed for Town, while Jake Charles missed out through a thigh injury.
First-team defender Tommy Smith also starred for the Development side as an over-age player and put in a comfortable and assured performance at centre half.
Town went into the game on the back of six straight wins and their good form showed as they were the better team throughout the game – keeping Forest quiet up top but busy at the back.
The majority of Town’s chances came from wide areas and they put plenty of crosses into the box with full backs Jack Senior and Jacob Hanson having plenty of joy down both flanks while Duane Holmes and Coughlan found pockets of space.
Town’s good play and pressure finally paid off just before the break courtesy of Coughlan.
The Irishman had his initial shot saved following some neat build-up play, but he made no mistake with the follow-up as he met the rebound with a cushioned header.
On another day, Bojaj and Holmes would have joined Coughlan on the scoresheet but for good reaction saves from Forest keeper Dimitar Evtimov.
Holmes had a couple of snapshots well saved while Bojaj latched onto an under-hit backpass to the Forest keeper only to sting the palms of the on rushing Evtimov.
The second half was more of the same for Town as they looked composed at the back, comfortable in possession and posed a threat in the final third, while Forest offered very little.
Town’s Under 21s are next in action against Sheffield United in the league on Monday, November 2.
Town: Lloyd Allinson, Jack Senior, William Boyle (c), Tommy Smith, Jacob Hanson, Regan Booty, Philip Billing, Duane Holmes, Ronan Coughlan (Sondre Tronstad 88), Rekeil Pyke (Ben Holmes 90), Flo Bojaj.
Subs not used: Ed Wilczynski, Danny Kane, Fraser Horsfall.
