DESPITE taking a deserved lead, Town failed to secure any points from this keenly contested match.
As usual, the players worked hard and gave their all, but a review of tactics and personnel seems needed.
Town edged the first half with Chris Brandon's coolly taken opener being neutralised by Stuart Elliott who beat Andy Holdsworth to Delroy Facey's pass, slotting the ball through Paul Rachubka's legs.
At the interval, Hull brought on Aaron Wilbraham to challenge the effective partnership of Efe Sodje and Nathan Clarke. This paid dividends when Stev Angus was allowed too much time, firing in a pinpoint cross for Wilbraham who, lurking unmarked between two defenders, scored with a free header.
Town's problems in marking players from crosses and corners are well known and this is an area in which rapid improvement is necessary.
After Hull took the lead, John McAliskey's head visibly dropped but his necessary substitution by Akpo Sodje was not made.
Though Town managed to contain further threats they never looked like equalising.
Progressively, the Terriers ran short of ideas and leadership, typified by a free kick that we took when, despite the entire Hull team defending, we kept four men behind the ball with no-one for them to mark.
The main difference between the sides could be seen in the mobility of Hull's midfield who got back to assist the defence but then moved rapidly upfield when in possession. In contrast, Huddersfield's midfield played too deep, leaving the forwards isolated.
A mid-table finish to the season would be satisfactory but if the club has the ambition to progress then some new blood is needed.
The most urgent requirement is for an experienced playmaker in midfield who can put his foot on the ball. Finally, referee Paul Danson deserves to be complimented on his objective handling of the game.
