It was smiles all around for Huddersfield Town as the Under 18s emulated the fist team with a 4-1 victory, writes Steven Downes.
Harry Clibbens stole the show as the youngsters beat Ipswich Town in their Professional Development League II game at PPG Canalside.
The son of Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens scored his first two goals at Under 18 level.
Sam Warde and Jack Boyle also made the scoresheet as Town went eighth in the table.
Tony Carss’ side haven’t always had the results their performances have merited this term.
But after a win over Brentford, they now have two in a row ahead of Saturday’s game at Cardiff City.
The first half against Ipswich was cagey, especially in the first 15 minutes.
But Town scored in the 29th minute when full-back Clibbens struck a tremendous long-range shot.
Town couldn’t keep the lead though, as Ipswich hit back just five minutes later.
The home side came to life after the break.
They took the lead as Boyle crossed low for Warde, who finished neatly.
On 67 minutes, Boyle netted his sixth of the season to give Town clear daylight.
Clibbens grabbed his second and Town’s fourth before Rekil Pyke had a penalty saved after Lewis O’Brien was fouled.
Coach Carss said: “It was pleasing both individually and collectively as a team.
“We had a good performance at Brentford and had a midweek friendly against Manchester City which was a tough test.
“We were looking to build on those two performances.”
Carss had called for his players to show character after their 4-0 home defeat by Charlton Athletic.
“They responded and that always important,” he added.
“It’s fundamental and will have a big bearing on where every one of these lads ends up.
“Team spirit and that eagerness to go the extra yard for your mate is important.”
Carss said a half-time pep talk was important.
“We needed that little bit more quality to come through,” he explained.
“That first touch needed improving and we asked them to be more aware of what was around them.”
Carss was pleased with Clibbens’ contribution.
“It’s great we’re getting goals from different positions and the modern full-back needs to get forward,” he said.
“Harry scored two great goals and got into some good positions”.
Team: Tadhg Ryan; Harry Clibbens, Dylan Cogill, Jacob Hanson, Jordan Williams; Jamie Spencer, Sam Warde, Adam Porritt (Lewis O’Brien, 66mins), Jack Boyle (Luca Colville, 76); Rekeil Pyke, Cedwyn Scott (Akeel Francis, 66).
Subs not used: Scott Maloney, Callum Elliott.
