Huddersfield Town v Sheffield United: Clark looks for Town to repeat their whirlwind beginning

THREE years ago today, Lee Clark had a particularly memorable response to his Huddersfield Town side claiming a thrilling derby win over Leeds United.

“She might get a nice meal now,” the delighted Terriers manager told the press after Nathan Clarke’s early goal had clinched the Valentine’s Day victory, “and a bit of romancing”.

Tonight, it seems Mrs Clark’s hopes of an enjoyable evening will once again rest on the fortunes of 11 footballers clad in blue and white stripes as Sheffield United come to the Galpharm Stadium for one of the most eagerly-awaited fixtures of the season.

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The Blades head to West Yorkshire sitting third in League One, one place and one point above Huddersfield.

With second-placed Sheffield Wednesday completing a trio of White Rose sides chasing automatic promotion, the stakes will be high tonight as romance takes a back seat to football in countless households across the county.

Asked by the Yorkshire Post what plans he had if Town could claim another derby win on February 14, Clark replied: “It will be a bit late to go out but, hopefully, we can have a glass of champagne and celebrate the three points along with Valentine’s Day.”

The visit of the Blades to the Galpharm seems certain to attract a bumper crowd as Danny Wilson’s side look to avenge their early-season defeat to Town at Bramall Lane.

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Two goals by Lee Novak and another from Oscar Gobern put the game beyond United before half-time and Clark is looking for a similarly positive start tonight.

He said: “We went there at a time when Sheffield United were top of the table. We played extremely well that night and we want to hit those heights again.

“That night showed that when we hit top form then there are not many teams in the division who can handle us. We have to produce a top performance again.

“I am sure they will come here in a positive mind. They come and attack teams. So with us having a right go at them, I would expect it to be a special game played in front of a big crowd and the atmosphere being terrific.”

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Sheffield United make the short trip to Huddersfield on the back of a hugely impressive run that has yielded nine wins from their last 11 league games.

It means, according to Wilson, that the visitors will approach tonight’s derby in confident mood and determined to take the game to their hosts.

The Blades chief said: “The lads are doing brilliantly at the moment. There is no doubt about that and we are giving ourselves a chance of getting where we want to be at the end of the season.

“We shall go to Huddersfield and be positive, just like we always are. We respect Huddersfield and what they are doing this season but we honestly feel we can go there and get a result.

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“They are an excellent side, though, and when they came to our place earlier in the season, they put the game beyond us with three first-half goals.

“There is no question they are a potent outfit going forward. We have got to be at our best because they have terrific attacking players who score lots of goals between them.

“I think it is going to be a very exciting game because of the philosophy of both teams.”

As Wilson tries to get the Blades out of League One at the first attempt, Clark is in his third full season at Huddersfield.

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The first two ended in play-off heartache as Huddersfield lost to Millwall in the 2010 semi-finals and then Peterborough United in last year’s final.

Wilson, however, is a big fan of the man who will occupy the opposing dugout tonight.

He said: “Lee Clark is an outstanding new manager, who has adapted very well to the demands of the job. He has done a great job at Huddersfield so far. But after taking them to the play-offs in two successive seasons, he will be looking to go up this time around.

“He is a very passionate lad who has got his team playing some great stuff. Lee is clearly one of the most gifted managers around and I would say he is destined for the Premier League, without a doubt.”

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Clark, for his part, has been equally impressed with the job done by Wilson, not least the way he was won over supporters who were initially so against his appointment that they staged a protest in the Bramall Lane car park.

He said: “Sheffield United were one of the sides I expected to do well.

“The protest in the summer was not against Danny’s abilities as a manager, it was more his links with Sheffield Wednesday.

“He has shown once again what a fantastic manager he is. Danny has worked at the highest level and maybe what has surprised me is that, even though there was talk of their top players leaving, they have kept the squad together.

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“It means they have quality players who have played at a higher level.”

The Blades have no fresh injury news from Saturday’s convincing win at home to Wycombe Wanderers, while Town could welcome back Gary Roberts after the midfielder returned from a hernia operation quicker than expected.

Alex Smithies is also pushing for a recall after returning to the bench for Town’s last game at home to MK Dons, when Ian Bennett was culpable for the visitors’ equaliser.

On tonight’s game, Clark added: “We want games like this all the time. Facing Sheffield United in front of a big crowd whets the appetite. They are a huge club with great tradition and history.

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“I love it when opposition clubs bring a lot of fans. Our supporters get right up for it and want to show them what the Galpharm is all about. They want to show Huddersfield are top dogs and that support helps the team.

“The fans play such a huge part in getting the confident right. It is like a domino effect. Whenever there has been big crowds we have responded and we want that again.”

No doubt, Mrs Clark will be hoping the same.

Last six games: Huddersfield Town DWWWDD, Sheffield United WWWLLW.

Referee: K Friend (Leicestershire).

Last time: Huddersfield Town 1 Sheffield United 2; August 27, 2008; League One.