TEENAGE Town keeper Alex Smithies earned a new fan on Saturday with Millwall manager Kenny Jackett enthusiastic in his praise for the 19-year-old.
Smithies topped an impressive display with a stunning save from Lions striker Gary Alexander 12 minutes from time and the New Den boss clearly felt there is a bright future ahead for the England under-19 international.
“He looks a good goalkeeper and he is very well rated at our level,” said Jackett.
“There are not many teenage goalkeepers playing at any level of the League – so that is an achievement in itself.
“I believe he has got a new deal here at Huddersfield and he is well thought of in the game and he showed why against us on Saturday.”
Jackett, whose team lie fourth in the League I table after their 2-1 success at the Galpharm Stadium, was pleased with his side’s patience as they notched their ninth away win of the campaign.
“I thought that in the first half we gave Huddersfield a lot of problems and we were getting in good crosses,” said Jackett.
“It was a good spell for us in the first 45 minutes and, to be honest, after what we had done coming in 0-0 at half time was a bit of a let down as I felt we should have been in front.
“In second half got our noses in front, I was disappointed with the equaliser, but I felt that the performance towards end of second half was terrific and that got us the points.
“The widemen were a threat, I felt that both David Martin and James Henry were a big threat and when we got the ball to them they caused a lot of problems, but then it was all about being able to time runs into the box to get the goals. I’m pleased to say that eventually they came.
“The pair of them were a real handful and given that Huddersfield is a really big pitch it allowed them to do what they can.
“The winning goal typified what we did well. It was a terrific run and Scott (Barron) showed some composure to put the ball in to the right area.”
Automatic promotion is still in the Lions’ sights, but Jackett said the emphasis had to be on continuing to concentrate on producing good performances.
“We’re going into last dozen games now and we have to build on what we have been doing well,” he said. “Over the season to date we have to feel we have a good points total, we have to keep that going.”
