Kay hoping snow will not derail Terriers' fine form

The Terriers are on a four-game winning run and sit just one point adrift of the League One automatic promotion slots despite having played a game less than second-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Town are also through to the Northern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy following Tuesday's win at Tranmere Rovers, while non-League Dover Athletic stand between the West Yorkshire club and a place in the FA Cup fourth round.

Such a promising position means confidence is high at the Galpharm Stadium ahead of Saturday's visit to Brentford and Kay's big hope is that the predicted return of snow and freezing temperatures in the coming days does not lead to a swathe of postponements over the festive season.

The 28-year-old said: "We have a jam-packed December and we need to keep the run we are on-going. Results and performances have been good lately, which has helped us up the table and into the third round of the FA Cup.

"In terms of the promotion race, this season is very different to last year. We were in second place earlier this season but lost two games on the bounce and slipped to 11th in the table. That shows how tight it is.

"Any side that can go on a consistent run can really put themselves in a good place. That is why Christmas is so important. This year we have a lot of big games, which we usually play well in – as is shown by our results.

"What we don't want is the weather to come into play. Snow is forecast for this week but we are just hoping it stays away."

Jordan Rhodes's double at Prenton Park on Tuesday night set up a two-legged Northern Area final with Carlisle United in the New Year that will see Town travel to Brunton Park for the first leg during the week commencing January 17.

The return will, subject to any FA Cup replays, take place at the Galpharm Stadium in the week beginning February 7, meaning the two clubs are likely to meet on three out of four Tuesdays due to the Cumbrians being due in Huddersfield for a League One game on February 1.

Kay said: "It was a pretty tough game on a tight pitch at Tranmere but we did a professional job and are delighted to be into the next round.

"Now it is Carlisle over two legs and if we can win that then we are at Wembley. A lot of people aren't bothered by this competition but once you get to this stage there is a big prize.

"Playing at Wembley is always nice, and as we are unlikely to get there in the FA Cup or League Cup it would be great to get past Carlisle."

Damien Johnson is out for the season after a scan revealed Town's on-loan midfielder suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in last weekend's win over Brighton & Hove Albion.