Nahki Wells seeks season's best in order for Huddersfield Town to shoot down Owls

Not ex-Huddersfield Town marksman Jordan Rhodes, but a mercurial Latino talent from the Argentine city of Rosario, who had taken a particular liking to this quarter of West Yorkshire in the past, most recently in October when he proved the matchwinner. Not for the first time.

Town have seen more of Fernando Forestieri than they would care to remember in recent years, with visits to the John Smith’s Stadium bringing out the very best in the 27-year-old – whether it be in the colours of Sheffield Wednesday or Watford.

But in the event, it was another forward approaching his peak years who proved the pre-eminent force on Sunday in Nahki Wells, while the influence of Forestieri was negligible.

Wells went closest to breaking the deadlock with two second-half opportunities, but it was ultimately an afternoon for gamekeepers and not poachers.

Despite no first-leg advantage for Huddersfield, the Bermudian believes that Town are still well set ahead of Wednesday’s second leg – while acknowledging that victory at S6 would eclipse their list of accomplishments in an unforgettable 2016-17 season, which has seen them topple Newcastle United, Brighton and Aston Villa and record season doubles over the likes of Norwich City and Leeds United.

Wells said: “It will top all our league performances, for sure, because it is a big game and we need to rise to the occasion.

“There is no shying away from it now. The better 11 will come out on top and hopefully we will.

“It is a game of two legs. The gaffer has put a lot of emphasis on it.

“It is a game of four halves and we drew two halves and (now) can we be one of the better sides in one of the halves at Hillsborough?

“I am sure that they go back thinking they have a advantage. But we can take the dominance from our performance and try to do the same and give them nothing and maybe be a bit more clinical.

“We can’t deny how good a side they are and they have been in this position for two years on the spin now and they are a tough side to break down.

“I think any side who comes up against them would find it tough to score against them. It is just the way they have set up.

“We have to go there and maybe be a little bit more clinical and create maybe a couple more clear-cut chances.

“If we can get a goal or two, that just may be enough. Maybe even one.

“It is a tough game and task, but the winner takes it all.

“They are a side who are really strong defensively and collectively. It comes down to one match, no away goals rule, and the better man who wins on the day gets to Wembley.”