Huddersfield 2 Bristol Rovers 1

Last updated : 30 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Captain Rob Edwards sealed his return from injury with a goal in a rampant Terriers display.

The skipper, now fully recovered from a hamstring injury, scored in an excellent performance to ensure Huddersfield Town's first win of the season.

The home side came out guns blazing putting Bristol Rovers under the cosh straight from the kick off.

The Terriers attacked Bristol with a host of beautifully crafted sweeping moves. Danny Schofield was close to finishing a particularly intricate attack but a last-gasp tackle by Kevin Austin saved the Pirates.

Finally Town broke the deadlock when the captain fired home midway through the half. Full-back Edwards, returning after two games out, had a cross blocked before pouncing on the loose ball, hurtling into the box and rasping a low shot inside the near post.

Bristol Rovers did begin to break into the game towards the half-time whistle. Paul Tait came the closest, beating the keeper with a header only to see Paul Scott clear from under his own crossbar.

The second half began in the fashion the first ended with a sorry looking Bristol Rovers having to rely on luck to remain in the game.

Flying winger Schofield, who crept into the game as it progressed, began to enjoy more time and space on the ball and was instrumental in the best move of the game.

Edwards played a quick lobbed ball over full-back Danny Boxall for Schofield who attacked the defence before playing a quick ball to Andy Booth.

The towering striker sprinted to the byline but his cross was missed by Stead.

Huddersfield pressed on and ten minutes from the end Stead made sure. Lee Fowler played a quick ball into the young striker just inside the Rovers half.

Stead turned and ran quickly at Christian Edwards who backed off into his own box. Stead feigned, sidestepped and then unleashed a rising rocket shot into the roof of the net.

Rovers gave their 705 supporters, who made the grueling 400-mile round trip something to smile about with a 90th minute consolation goal, but it was too little too late.

Substitute Calum Willock made a darting left-wing run and crossed dangerously into the six-yard box. Town's defensive rock Efe Sodje made his only mistake of the game and failed to clear. This allowed Tait a simple tap-in.

Town manager Peter Jackson said his side were much improved but could and would get better.

"This was a massive game for us and one we had to win. We know we can play even better than this though.

"All we need is a little bit more luck and we will hammer a team." Rovers boss Ray Graydon said his side deserved to be beaten and that the result was a fair reflection on their performance.