Huddersfield Town disappointment after ‘maximum points’ opportunity missed

Lee Grant was a frustrated man after defeat in the Vertu Trophy

Huddersfield Town boss Lee Grant believes there is plenty to reflect on after defeat in the Vertu Trophy.

Ellis Taylor scored the only goal of the game in Tuesday night’s win for Harrogate Town.

Grant told HTTV: “We are disappointed. We have set our stall out this year to have a successful run at this competition. You look at this fixture and it’s a fixture we earmarked for maximum points.

“I feel as though we put a team on to the field that gave us an opportunity to do that but we’ve come out the wrong side of the result.

“We contributed to that ourselves in terms of perhaps the start to the game so there’s plenty to reflect on for us as a group and individually as well.

“It’s probably a situation and an action we would have looked to have avoided (their goal). We discussed it in terms of trying to steer clear of moments like that because if I’m Harrogate those are probably the moments I was looking for. We were aware of that.

“We’ve made a decision and an error in a moment and it can happen of course. We still had plenty left in the game to be able to react and respond and a big disappointment that we weren’t able to do that because we’ve created lots of good situations but for me probably not clinical enough in some of those moments and probably also not enough of the moments.

“Lots to reflect on. I think we’ve got to be better, if I’m being really honest. I really do. We have created some fabulous moments in front of goal that we’ve not taken. We’ve also got into some really good situations and not developed them into better situations and bigger moments so for me the reflections are we have to take more care in the final third, the detail of our final pass has to be better, our execution in front of goal needs to be better in certain moments.

“That work will only be better and improve from the work we do on the training ground so it’s straight back to work on that front and of course reviewing those moments individually and seeing where we can be better. Work to do.

“At the weekend, we’ve had a similar story in terms of creating lots and lots of opportunities and fantastic moments in front of goal and probably enough moments to win several games. It didn’t hurt us at the weekend. Here it has so I think certainly as a group it’s something to be really mindful of going forward.

“The team selection for Stockport will be very different and will be based upon what we have in front of us, as it always is. Of course there’s always food for thought in terms of what I’ve seen here as well so lots to consider. Regardless of competition, you’re always learning about the group. This is no different.

“An opportunity to get senior minutes for our boys and of course minutes for the younger players. We are learning. We are understanding more and more about the character of the group as well which is important.

“But overall we are frustrated. We wanted to win the game and it was certainly a game I felt like we could have won.

“The boys have been really clear with me about their desires and their hopes and ambitions for this cup competition. I’m fully behind them and with them on that.

“I think it’s important this year that we approach every game with a real desire to win and show our best side.

“The next game is important (in the cup). We go to Mansfield (at home) and it’ll be a tough one. But again we are ready to do what we need to do to progress.”