HUDDERSFIELD Town slumped to their worst losing streak for 10 years when they lost 3-2 away to West Brom.

Despite taking the lead twice through David Cork and Duncan Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald’s side showed the defensive fragility reflective of their position in the table – last and eight points adrift of Reading one place above.

And the defeat could have been worse were it not for the heroics of debutant Town goalkeeper Lee Martin.

The teenage stopper made a number of saves, even keeping out a Tony Morley penalty.

Morley did, however, convert the rebound – completing his impressive hat trick.

A defensive mix-up gave Town the chance to go in front as Carlton Palmer and goalkeeper Stuart Naylor allowed Cork to score a 14th minute opener.

West Brom bagged a leveller, but Town were again in front on the half hour mark when Graham Cooper’s low drive was saved before Shearer slammed home his 11th goal of the campaign from close range.

The next goal of the game proved to be controversial for the away side.

Following a corner Martin appeared to be impeded by Andy Gray, however, referee Neil Midgley watched on as Morley grabbed his second from a rebound.

The goal right on half-time killed Town’s spirit and they went on to have just one half-hearted attempt at goal in the entire second half.

The home side meanwhile pushed for the winner and in the 65th minute they were awarded a penalty when Andy May tripped Tony Kelly in the Town penalty box.

Morley stepped up and when Martin tipped the fierce drive onto the inside of the post, the one-time England winger was conveniently placed to tap in at the second attempt.

West Brom: Naylor, Bradley, Burrows, Palmer, Reilly, Kelly, Lynex, Williamson, Gray, Robson (Anderson 55min), Morley. Second sub: Goodman.

Town: Martin, Brown, Bray, Banks, Webster, Tucker, Bent, May, Shearer, Cooper (Winter 53min), Cork. Second sub: Ward.

Referee: Neil Midgely (Bolton).

Attendance: 8,450.