An early start from home, due to the early kick-off, and the need to pick up tickets for the Exiles saw me arrive at Dean Court 3 hours earlier than normal, at 10am.
The match started brightly enough with the Cherries looking to go forward, but didn't create any meaningful pressure. The same can be said for Huddersfield too as both sides brought a positive approach to the match with no quarter asked or taken.
The Cherries tried moving forward at pace, notably through Feeney who found himself in the centre of a 3-on-3 attack. Sadly his choice of pass was lacking, and the opportunity to get a clear sight on goal went begging.
In the 16th minute McDermott had a shot blocked by Kay in the Town defence.
First blood went to the Terriers with their first corner of the match in the 22nd minute, the corner coming from a strong clearance from Robinson which was probably a tad too strong when a simpler option might have been the better choice. Roberts took the inswinging corner which was firmly met by Kilbane inside the 6-yard box to opening the scoring, leaving Jalal rooted to the spot.
In the 35th minute, Wiggins burst in to the Huddersfield penalty area, only to be upended by the keeper (yellow card shown). The resulting penalty, when it was eventually taken was poor, allowing Bennett to parry the ball away. The loose ball could not be converted in to a goal with the Town box crowded out with plenty of defenders.
The Terriers could have doubled the advantage 3 minutes later when a rasping shot from outside the area from Roberts was tipped over the cross-bar by a fully stretched Jalal.
HT: 0-1
The second period started in the same vein as the first - with both sodes looking to push forward, but it was the home side that managed to take advantage when it looked as if they were running out of steam.
The Terriers should have netted their second of the afternoon when Afobe found himself clear on the edge of 6-yard area. He had the entire goal to aim at, but managed to find Jalal instead of the goal. Surely easier to score?
On the hour mark, the ball fell to McDermott who produced a fine shot from distance which managed to find the bottom right hand corner of the goal - much to the delight of the large home contingent.
The goal proved to a real boost the Cherries as they began to lay seige to the visitors goal, winning a succession of corners and numerous chances. Sadly those chances were easily dealt with when a bit more invention could have seen the Cherries take the lead for the return leg in West Yorkshire. Sadly it was not to be.
Overall, one of the best matches I've seen in recent weeks, and sets up an interesting second leg at the Galpharm Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Man of the match? The sponors went with Donal McDermott for his industry. Who am I to argue on this occassion?
AFCB: Jalal, Smith, Cooper, Pearce, Wiggins, Feeney, Hollands, Robinson, McDermott, Ings, Lovell
Subs: Thomas, Purches, Cummings, Arter, Pugh (for McDermott, 77 mins), Fletcher (for Lovell, 90 mins), Williamson (for Ings, 90 mins)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth