ASPIRATION AT TERRIERS

‘BLUEPRINT’ FOR MANAGER’S

DANNY Cowley admits he is disappointed for the fans that Leeds United got the better of Town on Saturday.

But the Terriers manager believes there was plenty of positives from the defeat against what he believes is the best team in the Championship.

“We are disappointed, we’re disappointed for our supporters, because we so wanted to put on a performance and get a result they could be really proud of because we know how tough this period has been for them,” said Cowley.

“But I think once we get through the disappointment there’s loads of learning for us to take from that because that was a blueprint, particularly in terms of their physical quality, Leeds, just intensity and the energy they played with, the aggressive intent.

“I thought their anticipation and reactions were excellent and they played with so much purpose.

“We actually started the game well and then conceded an outstanding goal.

“When you come into a game as an underdog – I’ve spent most of my life as an underdog because I’ve won lots of football matches like that – you probably can’t afford to concede a goal of that quality.

“It’s a great strike by Ayling on the

I thought for 30 minutes we were able to compete with Leeds

volley, it hits the underside of the bar and it’s a tough moment when you’re a very young team.

“You look at our front six and take Fraizer Campbell out of that and the other five are 19, 20, 21 and 22 and you’re interested to see their response.

“I was pleased with the way we responded.

“I thought for 30 minutes we were able to compete with Leeds. I thought we were able to get some turnovers high up the pitch and disrupt their rhythm.

“We had some good moments, some one-v-one moments, we had Trevoh Chalobah’s chance with the one-two and the shot – you probably have to take that if you want to get anything out of Leeds and we didn’t.

“I’ve had 13 years as a football manager and I’ve managed against London Apsa and – I don’t mean to be disrespectful of these teams – and Barkingside and things like this, and I’ve also had the pleasure of managing against Arsenal and Everton twice and Burnley and that was right up there in terms of an opponent’s performance.

“One positive, and I know you don’t like to look at other teams, but the gap [to the relegation zone] has only shortened by one point after this result.

“Yes, I’m not really worried too much about the other results. I want to focus on us and put all my energy into trying to get us better.”