Three weeks ago Charlton were eliminated from the Capital One Cup at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The local chippy thought they were being wound up when they were asked to deliver 32 portions of fish and chips to the Charlton team coach before it set off for London. Old fashion habits die hard.
Dean Kiely was at the ground and the 278 Charlton fans behind the goal included old boy, Matt Taylor, now at Bradford but currently out injured.
Both teams started with the in vogue 3-5-2 formation.
The first half was a dull affair, Simon Church’s header in the last minute was the first on target effort either side could muster.
Deep into stoppage time, Huddersfield produced the move of the match. Adam Hammill delivered a far post cross from the right and James Vaughan rose majestically to nod home to Hamer’s right.
It was a hammer blow for Powell’s side but things got worse midway through the second period. Joel Lynch, who scored with a long range effort in the Capital One Cup game, repeated the dose to prove that lightning really can strike twice. Lynch unleashed a frocious effort which flew past Hamer from nearly 30 yards out.
Powell swiftly made a double substitution, introducing Cameron Stewart and Callum Harriott, and switched to a 4-5-1 shape.
Stewart quickly made an impression. Cutting in from the left, he struck a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area which beat Smithies at his far post.
Charlton had the better of denouement but were unable to snatch a point. With Millwall coming from behind to beat Blackpool, Powell has much to ponder before Saturday’s derby match.
Charlton: Hamer; Morrison, Dervite, Wood (Stewart 68); Wilson, Pritchard, Stephens, Jackson (Pigott 86); Church, Sordell (Harriott 68).
Subs (not used): Alnwick, Evina, Cousins, Gower.
Goals: Stewart 79.
Booked: Dervite 32 (foul), Church 57 (diving), Stephens 90 (foul).
Huddersfield: Smithies; Clarke, Gerrard, Lynch; Hammill (Norwood 79), Hogg (Gobern 50), Clayton, Scannell (Richards 70), Dixon; Stead, Vaughan.
Subs (not used): Bennett, Woods, Carr, Paterson.
Goals: Vaughan 45, Lynch 65.
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).
Att: 12,248 (278 Charlton).