Leeds United v Huddersfield: All hands to the pump as Stead looks for winning feeling

Certainly, the joyous scenes on three sides of the John Smith’s Stadium that met the striker’s 77th-minute winner 11 months ago in a 3-2 triumph betrayed exactly how much getting one over the noisy neighbours means to the Terriers.

The flipside, of course, was slumping to a 5-1 defeat in the reverse fixture on a weekend in February that is best remembered for then manager Brian McDermott ‘sitting out’ the game after being sacked the previous night only to be reinstated 24 hours later.

Stead, therefore, knows all about the vagaries of derby football and is expecting today’s clash to be more akin to a Cup tie in manner.

“Leeds is a massive game for Huddersfield and especially the fans, which include myself,” said the 31-year-old striker.

“It was quite a contrast last season (in terms of results between the two clubs). But that is just how the Championship is, and especially derbies.

“Because it is against Leeds, it throws a little bit more into the mix. It is a big one and with the atmosphere that is expected, a bit like a cup game.

“I would imagine it will be all hands to the pump to make sure we get a result. A massive occasion for both teams, even though Leeds say they don’t see it as a derby.

“But I know Huddersfield definitely do. And Leeds also want to keep picking up points.

“Getting the winner (last October) was obviously a great feeling. A good day for me and a good day for everyone at Huddersfield. It would be nice to be involved at Elland Road and have a similar result.”