Dual test suits Town after derby setback

But, as upsetting as it was to lose so heavily against a derby rival, the Terriers insist they are over it now and looking forward to a mouth-watering double-header at home against Wigan Athletic and then Nottingham Forest.

Manager Robins said: “Sometimes in this division, you are going to get a beating and last Saturday was the first time we have suffered a heavy defeat.

“A poor 45 minutes cost us and we never recovered after conceding the second goal. One or two players went into their shells, which is unusual.

“We won’t overreact and even though it hurt at the time, we have put it behind us.

“Monday was a difficult day and there were a few bad tempers, but training has been of a good standard since.”

Town’s loss at Elland Road was their fourth in a row. A boost will come today, however, with the possible return of captain Peter Clarke, midfielder Jonathan Hogg and top scorer James Vaughan.

Wigan beat the Terriers at the DW Stadium in November and Robins is expecting another tough encounter for his men.

He said: “The expectation is on Wigan. They should win the game and go on to achieve promotion to the Premier League. Those are the demands that Uwe (Rosler, manager) is currently under and, at the moment, they are still a little way off achieving those aims.

“We have coped well with the rigours of the league for the majority of the season and it is important that we keep enjoying our football. I want the players to keep creating chances and entertaining the fans because we have people in the squad who will put them away.

“It is good to be back and facing two big tests. Both Wigan and Nottingham Forest have recruited in January to achieve promotion to the Premier League.”

The loan window opened yesterday but Robins will not be using Town’s losing run as an excuse to bring anyone in. Instead, he plans to get the existing squad back up and running.

“We are happy with what we have got and I am looking forward to working with them to make them the best they can be.”