Terrific Terriers

Huddersfield in the £170M play-off final

DANNY WARD saved two penalties to send Huddersfield to Wembley on a Premier League dream.

Ward was the Terriers hero as he stopped Sam Hutchinson’s effort on the Owls first spot-kick. And he came up trumps again to deny Fernando Forestieri as the Town won the shoot-out 4-3. Wednesday pushed for a winner in extra-time and on-loan Liverpool keeper Ward made an excellent stop from Jordan Rhodes. Forestieri then had a great chance, but his effort was blocked by the legs of Michael Hefele as both sides edged nervously toward the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Wednesday were hit in the opening minutes when Ross Wallace was forced off injured to be replaced by Adam Reach. And Reach had the first decent chance, juggling the ball with his back to goal before turning and hitting a shot, which was saved by Danny Ward (right), returning from his one-match ban. Huddersfield enjoyed more possession and wasted a glorious chance to end their goal drought against Wednesday when Izzy Brown fluffed his lines. Town swept upfield and Nahki Wells crossed to the near post where the lurking Brown steered his shot wide. That was a real let-off for Wednesday, who were roared on by the passionate crowd in an atmosphere reminiscent of their play-off thumping of Brighton a year ago. The Owls were sloppy too and Steven Fletcher carelessly gave the ball away when Barry Bannan found him in the box with a great through pass. Town boss David Wagner was as animated as ever and moaned to fourth official Stuart Attwell when referee Andre Marriner ignored a penalty appeal for Keiren Westwood’s challenge on Wells. The tie needed a goal – and it got one from Fletcher on 51 minutes. Bannan sent over a deep cross and the Scot beat Ward to the ball to head in his 11th goal of the season. Cue pandemonium inside Hillsborough, although the coolest man inside the stadium was Carlos Carvalhal who barely showed any reaction. Fletcher was feted like a hero when he went off 10 minutes later and the Owls fans must have thought it was time to plan their Bank Holiday trip to Wembley. But Wagner has shown what a fine coach he is this season and the German made a substitution that changed the game. On went Collin Quaner and 60 seconds later he found Wells, whose scuffed effort went in off defender Tom Lees on 73 minutes to make it 1-1. Town had the momentum and Westwood needed a smart save to keep out Wells’ shot at his near post.

STILL IN THE FIGHT Huddersfield players after their second-half equaliser