OSCAR GOBERN took a key step on the comeback trail as Huddersfield Town were beaten 3-2 by Derby in their Under 21 clash at Canalside.
The combative midfielder hasn’t featured since picking up a troublesome ankle injury during the season-opening Capital One Cup first-round defeat at Preston.
The 21-year-old former Southampton player needed surgery, but is targeting a first-team return after yesterday’s 75-minute outing.
Skipper Jordan Sinnott was left out after making his first-team debut in Saturday’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Leicester.
That suggests he is in contention for a follow-up appearance at home to Crystal Palace in the Championship tomorrow.
Conor Doyle opened the scoring for the young Rams after 19 minutes but Town levelled through Max Leonard shortly before the interval.
Kieron Freeman put Derby back in the lead direct from a wind-assisted corner in the 76th minute.
Rams substitute Jamie Hanson then fired in a third.
Connor Loftus pulled a goal back for Town, but Derby held on to claim the win.
It was Town’s first match since November after games against Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday fell victim to the big freeze.
Saturday’s academy game at Derby was also called off.
