Yorkshire | Huddersfield make strong start with confident win over Orient

Huddersfield Town 3 - 0 Leyton Orient 

Huddersfield Town opened their League One campaign with a convincing victory over Leyton Orient

Author | James Lees

Stadium | Accu Stadium

Goals from Joe Low, Alfie May and Ruben Roosken got Lee Grant’s side off to the perfect start.

A closer look at what happened

The match began at a breathless pace, with both sides striking the woodwork inside the opening five minutes. First, Sonny Perkins wriggled clear of Jack Whatmough before firing a right-footed effort against the outside of the near post. 

Barely a minute later, Alfie May released Ben Wiles with a clever ball inside. The midfielder managed to pull away from his marker and guide a shot across goal, only to be denied by the far post.

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Town soon made their pressure count. Captain Ryan Ledson was brought down just outside the area by Tayo Adaramola. From the resulting free-kick, Herbie Kane delivered a pinpoint cross which found the towering figure of Joe Low, who planted a header beyond Tommy Simkin to give Huddersfield the lead.

Town might have doubled their advantage soon after. A poorly dealt-with corner from Orient allowed Marcus Harness a sight of goal, but his effort ricocheted towards May, whose follow-up trickled towards the line before Tommy James scrambled it away at the last moment.

There was a setback for the home side when Sean Roughan, struggling with an apparent knock, was forced off despite trying to play through the discomfort. Ruben Roosken came on in his place, with Mickel Miller dropping into the left-back position.

Which players stood out?

Ryan Ledson 

The new captain delivered a composed and assured performance at the heart of midfield. His standout moment came with a superb sliding block to deny a long-range effort on the edge of the area. Confident in possession and consistently looked to move play forward. A quietly impressive display.

Ben Wiles

Much improved from his form in the latter stages of last season, he looked sharp and full of intent. Struck the post early on, just moments after Orient had rattled the woodwork at the other end. Found space regularly in the channels to link up with May and forced a save with a well-hit effort midway through the first half. Spurned a good chance shortly after the restart, firing straight at the goalkeeper after a surging run. Continued to trouble the defence and won the penalty that put Town two goals clear.