Cheltenham Town 1 Huddersfield Town 2

Last updated : 06 September 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Huddersfield Town won the battle of the bottom two sides in League One with a superb second-half display.

Cheltenham Town were on top in the opening period, with striker Lloyd Owusu heading the Robins ahead on his debut, but the Terriers hit back with goals from Nathan Clarke and Ian Craney to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.

In the opening half, widemen Josh Low, also making his debut, and Jennison Myrie-Williams looked especially lively.

The Robins went in front when Alex Russell sent over a superb cross from the left and Owusu powered his header past Matt Glennon from eight yards.

But manager Stan Ternent sent his Huddersfield side out early for the second half and they hit the ground running, deservedly drawing level on 57 minutes.

They were helped by a controversial refereeing decision - David Unsworth fired in a volley which hit the bar, but referee Jarnail Singh ruled that the shot was saved by goalkeeper Shane Higgs and gave a corner.

Craney's flag kick was not cleared by the home defence and Clarke stabbed the ball home.

Cheltenham went close twice with Owusu heading wide from crosses by Russell and Low, but on 67 minutes Huddersfield got what proved to be the winner.

Substitute Keigan Parker's persistence dispossessed Gavin Caines and his shot was beaten out by Higgs by a corner.

But once again Cheltenham were found wanting from the set-piece, which was cleared only as far as Craney, who beat Higgs with a superb 25-yard shot.

Myrie-Williams had a penalty appeal waived away as Cheltenham went looking for an equaliser, but as they chased the game Huddersfield had chances on the break.

Liam Dickinson had a shot beaten out by Higgs, while Cheltenham's last chance of salvaging a draw went when substitute Dean Sinclair was denied by Glennon.