GOAL HERO CAN’T HOGG LIMELIGHT

ROSS HEPPENSTALL

SORBA THOMAS reckons the secret to Huddersfield’s shock promotion bid is their miserly defence.

Carlos Corberan’s side climbed to fifth in the Championship thanks to Jonathan Hogg’s second goal of the season.

The 32-year-old skipper headed in Thomas’ corner in the 82nd minute to seal victory.

Corberan, who spent two seasons working under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds, is committed to playing attractive football, but his Terriers have now registered seven clean sheets this campaign.

Wales international Thomas hailed defenders Tom Lees, Matty Pearson and Levi Colwill, as well as goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, for Town’s new-found solidity.

Thomas (battling Millwall’s Scott Malone, above) said: “Everyone will talk about the goal and the header from Hoggy, but not many people are going to talk about the tackle that Matty Pearson made on Tom Bradshaw.

“They are the tackles that win games – it was an unbelievable challenge – and our back three are the unsung heroes.

“If you play a lot of games together, you are going to understand everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. In that back three, I don’t see any weaknesses. They are getting better and better.

“Not many people talk about our keeper and how important he has been since he came here, but he’s the best in the league.”

Chances were scarce until Hogg struck and Millwall were denied a penalty right at the end, when Ryan Leonard’s shot was blocked by Harry Toffolo.

Lions boss Gary Rowett and his players screamed for a spot-kick but referee Geoff Eltringham was unmoved.

Goal-hero Hogg, Town’s longest-serving player, said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. It was a massive three points for us after losing heavily at Bournemouth.”

But Rowett groaned: “I’m disappointed in us conceding the way that we did.”