Huddersfield pegged back as Ki-Jana Hoever earns point for Stoke

Posted Tuesday, April 02, 2024 by PA

Huddersfield remain in the relegation zone as they let the lead slip in a 1-1 draw with Stoke.

Bojan Radulovic’s strike just before half-time – his first following a January move from HJK Helsinki – handed the visiting Terriers the ascendancy.

But an impressive Ki-Jana Hoever finish shortly after the restart levelled the proceedings – his second goal in as many games.

The visitors, who have won only one of their seven games under new boss Andre Breitenreiter, could not restore their advantage as their winless run stretches to six.

Meanwhile, with only two losses in their last six games, Stoke remain five points above the dreaded dotted line.

Despite their recent form, Breitenreiter would have been encouraged by a heartening Huddersfield start in the Potteries.

The Terriers’ early promise was nearly rewarded when a Matty Pearson header nestled in the back of the net. However, the defender’s celebrations were cut short with the goal ruled out for offside following Patrick Jones’ interference in front of keeper Daniel Iversen.

Heeding their early warning sign, Stoke gradually grew into the fixture with Lewis Baker testing Lee Nicholls from range.

A high-tempo opening to the game ensued and Huddersfield spurned two half-chances in quick succession before the half-hour mark.

Radulovic’s tame strike from a promising position and a wild David Kasumu effort were then nearly punished by the lively Baker. The former Chelsea youngster came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock but his free-kick from 30 yards crashed off the crossbar with Lee Nicholls helpless.

And it was Huddersfield who snatched the advantage before the break as Radulovic skipped beyond the challenge of Michael Rose to fire confidently beyond Iversen.

But the Terriers’ lead proved short-lived as Stoke returned for the restart with the wind in their sails.

The in-form Hoever levelled the scores in impressive style, cutting inside Sorba Thomas before firing a pinpoint effort beyond the despairing Nicholls.

Buoyed by their equaliser, the Potters attempted to complete a rapid turnaround with Hoever first going close with an audacious strike from range.

Wouter Burger then raced through on goal but the Dutch midfielder failed to generate the power to beat the onrushing Nicholls.

Huddersfield were fortunate not to fall behind, with Nicholls pawing a Laurent header only as far as Luke McNally whose effort was hooked off the line by Jack Rudoni.

Despite Stoke’s second-half dominance, it was Huddersfield who finished the stronger and they nearly snatched a late winner.

Substitute Delano Burgzorg was thwarted by a block and then an Iversen save as he spurned two chances.

With six games remaining, both sides still have work to do to secure their Championship status for next season.