Mark Fotheringham picked up his first points on his home debut as Huddersfield produced one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Championship. As the Yorkshire club reduced the distance between themselves and safety to just two points, Town’s supporters were treated to a second consecutive home victory. They will also be optimistic. After a dismal start to the season, Fotheringham’s hiring at the club—which lost in the previous year’s play-off final—can improve the club’s fortunes. In a match between two of the Championship’s bottom five teams, the Terriers overcame a sluggish start to earn three crucial points. Hull, who has the division’s weakest defense, allowed goals twice as the Tigers suffered a bitter sixth loss in seven games.
Michal Helik’s first goal for the team and a regrettable own goal by Lewie Coyle made sure Fotheringham’s first game at the John Smith’s Stadium finished in a welcome victory. After his team’s draw in a thrilling six-goal game at Luton, the new manager made two changes, while interim Hull manager Andy Dawson made just one. The hosts had the first meaningful chance to score after getting their act together when Tom Lees shot straight at Nathan Baxter when he ought to have done better. On the opposite end, Ryan Longman missed the target after cutting into his preferred left foot.
When Coyle awkwardly turned Etienne Camara’s cross into his own goal with a soaring header in the 29th minute, the pressure finally caught up to them. Oscar Estupinan, the leading scorer for Hull, was set up by Dimitrous Pelkas, who did well to gain control in midfield, but his errant shot was the well-off goal. On the verge of halftime, the Tigers should have tied the score when Longman missed a one-on-one opportunity after being played in. Six minutes after the break, former Barnsley defender Helik headed in Danny Ward’s cross from a clear distance to extend Huddersfield’s lead.
