Huddersfield 2 Swindon 3

Last updated : 23 November 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Huddersfield boss Mick Wadsworth refused to face the press after suffering a barrage of abuse from frustrated home fans after watching his side slump to their fourth defeat in five games.

Wadsworth was locked in crisis talks with chairman David Taylor while hundreds of fans gathered outside the main stand at the end of the match to call for his dismissal.

The demonstration was sparked by Swindon's Sam Parkin who secured the points for the Robins with his 12th goal of the season in the 89th minute.

Hundreds of angry home supporters surged towards Wadsworth's dugout and had to be restrained by the police and stewards. The protests were still going on when Town striker Jon Stead scored a consolation goal in injury time and continued for more than half an hour after the match ended.

Chairman Taylor went outside in a bid to calm them down but was the victim of vitriolic abuse.

The home side made the worst possible start when left back Kevin Sharp's misplaced pass allowed Eric Sabin to put David Duke through for the Robins' opener after just 41 seconds.

And the defender was at fault again 24 minutes later when he dragged Danny Invincible down in the box to concede a penalty.

Swindon captain Andy Gurney stepped up to stroke the spot kick past Scott Bevan, to add to the winner he scored against Huddersfield in the FA Cup first round last week.

The Terriers leading scorer Martin Smith gave home fans some hope after 36 minutes with an exquisite 20-yard chip over visiting keeper Bart Griemink.

It was the club's first goal in five games and sparked a flurry of pressure on the Swindon goal but they failed to take advantage.

Swindon boss Andy King had every sympathy for Wadsworth, commenting: "I've had the kind of abuse that Wadsworth has got this afternoon.

"I understand there are a number of young players in the Huddersfield team and perhaps if the fans realised how it affects them the supporters would not be so critical."