A comfortable performance against Ronnie Jepson's Gillingham saw Town win their third game in four matches. Andy Booth's double (his seventh and eighth of the season) inspired Peter Jackson's side to a comfortable victory that leaves them six points from the play-off places in League One.

The manner of the match was established in the opening eight minutes of the match as Town had scored two quick fire goals before the visitor had has a chance to establish a hold in the match. Another bright start from the Terriers who welcomed back Nathan Clarke and Danny Schofield to the starting line-up was rewarded on three minutes when Luke Beckett sealed his eighth goal of the campaign.

Beckett made no mistake with a powerful header after tricky feet from Danny Schofield on the left, it was his cross that found the head of Beckett. Five minutes later and living legend Andy Booth doubled the lead for the Terriers. The heart beat of the club expertly took his headed goal after good work from Chris Brandon. Booth's header against Ronnie Jepson's side - the man who helped him so much during Jepson's time in Town colours.

In a match dominated by Town had to thank goalkeeper Matthew Glennon for keeping the two goal lead when he got down well to prevent Gillingham grabbing a goal back.

Glennon could do nothing to prevent Gillingham's goal on 70 minutes. Gary Mulligan's header would have delighted the visitors manager Jepson who had predicted a difficult match for his side.

Booth made sure of the three points and the man of the match award as he bundled home from short range late in the match. A Schofield corner was flicked on by Beckett and Boothy made no mistake from close range. As time was running out Michael Collins almost forced a fourth Town goal but his shot was blocked for a corner.

A good performance from the Terriers who will be looking to maintain this form into the tough encounter at Bristol City next Saturday. It is the first time Town have beaten the Kent side at the Glapharm and revenges the open day defeat down in Kent. New loan signing Andy Taylor was missing for the match through illness but that did not prevent the Town boss from being pleased with the result.

Jackson was delighted with the way Town controlled the match and grabbed a early lead on the way to a deserved victory. Jackson gave praise to his double goal striker but also pointed to David Mirfin who he said after the match had the best game for the club ever.

Jackson also pointed to the removal of Martin McIntosh from the starting line-up who was replaced by Nathan Clarke. Jackson saying that the Scottish defender had reported to him that if he was not to be offered a new contract, then his mind was not on the match on Saturday - Jackson took the correct steps and dropped him completely from the squad.

Gills manager Ronnie Jepson was disappointed with the start his side made against Town. Jepson felt his side's performance was poor and that Town rightfully took the three points.

Maybe, just maybe after a disappointing season, Town can exert some late pressure on the table and push for a late inclusion into the play-off's. If the Terriers can win four of their next five matches then the opportunity to rise up the table will be theirs. With Bristol City (away) next, Town then play three teams below them in the table and two struggling in the relegation zone. The next home game against Brentford is followed by a visit to Millmoor to face bottom club Rotherham, before Crewe visit the Galpharm and the daunting trip to Nottingham Forest on March 3rd.

Huddersfield Town
Glennon, Holdsworth, Nathan Clarke (McCombe 72), Mirfin, Skarz, Brandon (Young 46), Taylor-Fletcher, Collins, Schofield, Booth, Beckett
Subs Not Used: Eastwood, Ahmed, McAliskey

Yellow Cards: Nathan Clarke (35), Taylor-Fletcher (66)

Goals: Beckett (3), Booth (8, 83)

Possession: 43%
Shots: 16 (10 on target)
Corners: 3

Gillingham
Larrieu, Sancho, Chorley, Johnson, Jackman, Southall, Flynn, Crofts, Jarvis, Mulligan, McDonald (Ndumbu-Nsungu 74)
Subs Not Used: Collin, Cox, Easton, Spiller

Yellow Cards: Crofts (14), Southall (28), Jackman (88)

Goals: Mulligan (70)

Possession: 57%
Shots: 7 (2 on target)
Corners: 6

Attendance
9,167

Referee
Mr D Drysdale (Lincolnshire)

Peter Jackson will not be pursuing the Hungarian Zoltan Liptak, after he failed to impress Jackson enough to warrant a contract. He has admitted the transfer window was a frustrating time for him and expects Taylor to be his one and only transfer capture. He will be looking to bring in players when next week's loan window opens

Talisman Andy Booth has signed a one year extension to his current deal as young full back Joe Skarz is awarded a professional contract by the Terriers. Booth will captain the Terriers on Saturday as Jon Worthington is out injured, whilst Skarz will be replaced by new signing Taylor at left-back. Matty Young who scored the equaliser last weekend will start in midfield.

Paul Rachbuka has left the Galpharm Blackpool on loan until end of season - Simon Eastwood on bench for Gillingham match. The American is hoping for a permanent deal.

As from the start of next season the Galpharm Stadium, in line with the national smoking ban, will be a non-smoking stadium.

Town have announced that pre-season for the 2007/2008 season will take place in Sweden. Town last went on tour to Sweden under the leadership of Steve Bruce. Dates and opponents are still to be decided.

January 2007 news archived