Matt Tayor secured his first win as manager as Rotherham produced one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Championship. The Irishman bent down to deflect a header into the box, collected himself, and poked the winning goal beyond Terriers goalkeeper Lee Nicholls (61). With a clinical strike from right inside the box, Conor Washington gave the hosts the lead (25), but the advantage lasted less than four minutes as Danny Ward equalized against his former employers (29).
In the early going at the New York, there weren’t many indications that it was derby day, such as openings or the typical crunching tackles that are almost always present in a local fight. Washington guided in Dan Barlaser’s precise pass five minutes before the break after David Kasumu was fouled on the edge of his box as Rotherham began to exert more pressure. Washington’s effort on the turn was blocked and Richard Wood’s header at the back post was saved by Lee Nicholls.
The advantage, though, was short-lived when unmarked ex-Miller Ward steered in a corner from the edge of the box following a drill straight off the practice field. Huddersfield did have two opportunities to score more goals and take the lead for the first time, but each time Sorba Thomas found Jordan Rhodes, the striker failed with his first touch. They believed they had finally gained the upper hand after less than 55 minutes had passed. Ben Jackson’s fierce shot was stopped by Viktor Johansson, and Rhodes headed in the rebound, but the seasoned striker had veered offside throughout the buildup.
After replacing Tom Eaves less than 180 seconds earlier, Kelly scored the game-winning goal just beyond the hour mark with an instinctive first touch and a precise second that the Terriers were unable to stop. The midfielder put on a usual strong display in the Yorkshire derby. He contributed to the opening goal, produced three chances, had two shots that were on goal, and completed 77 percent of his passes.
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