West Brom player ratings vs Huddersfield as Carlos Corberan's ...

West Bromwich Albion have closed the gap on the Championship top six after beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 at the Hawthorns.

John Swift opened the scoring from the penalty spot and without reply from Huddersfield, the Baggies picked up their tenth home win in 11 home games under Carlos Corberan. The victory over Neil Warnock's side lifts Albion up to eighth, with only three points now separating them from the Millwall, who currently occupy the final play-off position.

Huddersfield had only lost two of their last ten league visits to the Hawthorns before making the trip to the Midlands, but given their struggles this campaign, it was no surprise that they started the slower of the two sides this afternoon. However, after Albion failed to make any meaningful chances in the first quarter of an hour, Tom Lees came the closest to breaking the deadlock from a set-piece as his header marginally cleared the bar.

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Home supporters were becoming frustrated with their side's lack of cutting edge in the final third before Conor Townsend won a penalty in the 30th minute. Jed Wallace flicked the ball towards Townsend in the box, but after Matt Pearson got the wrong side of the left-back, he brought him down subsequently gave away a penalty.

Swift dispatched the penalty by sending Huddersfield goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik the wrong way to give the hosts the lead before half-time.

Huddersfield have now lost their last four away games without scoring, while their ten-point haul on the road this term is the fewest of any side in the division. Despite the Terriers' struggles this season, these are the games West Brom must win if they are to gatecrash the play-offs come May.

Corberan has revitalised the group of players who he inherited from Steve Bruce last year and became the sixth West Brom manager Warnock has faced in as many previous games against the club. Poked with a few jibes from the veteran before kick-off, Corberan will enjoy this important win in his quest to gain promotion with Albion.

Huddersfield could have drawn level early in the second half, but David Kasumu dragged an effort wide with only goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to beat. The 21-year-old closed the angle at his near post well and was hardly tested in the second period.

With only one goal separating the two sides, West Brom had to fight off a late ambush from Huddersfield to secure another key win in front of home fans.

Griffiths 8

Had very little to do against a toothless Huddersfield side, but when he was called into action, Griffiths responded well. He's confident for a 21-year-old 'keeper given the amount of loan moves he's enjoyed away from the Hawthorns in recent seasons.

Furlong 7

Provided energy up and down the right flank all afternoon, but struggled to match his hard work with quality on the ball.

O'Shea 8*

A strong showing from O'Shea, who dominated his duels and kept the West Brom defence together when Huddersfield threatened to test Griffiths.

Pieters 7

Used the ball well and with Albion dominating possession, he picked the right passes to allow his teammates to create openings.

Townsend 8

Won the penalty in the first half and looked assured in the Albion back four.

Yokuslu 7

Offered the composure Albion needed while fans were demanding. Kept it simple. Replaced by Nathaniel Chalobah late in the second half.

Molumby 7

Got around the pitch well and kept good distances between midfield partner Yokuslu.

Wallace 7

Benefited from playing in a central position in the first half as it was his creativity that unlocked the Huddersfield defence.

Swift 8

Broke the deadlock from the spot and continued to threaten the Huddersfield backline.

Reach 7

Produced some quality crosses and linked play well in the final third. Shuffled across to the right wing in the second period, but the quantity of balls put into the box reduced as a result.

Dike 7

Dike provided an effective outlet, but didn't get a clear sight of goal in the match.

Substitues:

Albrighton(for Reach '75) 6

Chalobah(for Yokuslu '75) 6

Rogic (for Swift '86) 6

Ajayi (for Wallace '90) 6

Substitutes not used: Button, Ajayi, Gardner-Hickman, Malcolm

Huddersfield Town starting XI: Vaclik; Pearson (Edmonds-Green '63), Ruffles, Lees, Helik; Hogg, Koroma, Kasumu (Diarra '82), Jackson (Hungbo '87), Rudoni; Waghorn (Rhodes '82)

Substitutes not used: Bilokapic, Camara, Simpson

GOALS

Albion - Swift (30); Huddersfield - N/A

Up next: Cardiff City (A) - Wednesday, March 15, 19:45 kick-off

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