It wasn't for the want of trying at the McAlpine Stadium but Huddersfield clung on for a draw and also dented their own play-off prospects in the process. Athletic went for the jugular right from the kick off and could have been two up in the first three minutes but both easy chances were fluffed. The game came alive in the fourth minute when on loan striker Leon Knight was sent off for elbowing Scott McNiven in the face. He now faces an automatic three-match ban
in addition to a two-match suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.
Adebola also hit the crossbar from close range before a revitalised Holden blasted high and wide form an Eyres free kick. Some strange refereeingdecisions added to the drama. McNiven brought down Thorrington on the edge of the box in the 11th. minute for which he received a yellow card, a decision which outraged the home supporters.
Huddersfield created a few chances, their best coming in the second half, but Andy Goram (pictured) was equal to them. A diving save from an Irons free kick was particularly spectacular. The Latics looked dangerous on the break and almost pinched it in the 67th. minute when Adebola's shot was palmed away.
Paul Murray also had the ball taken off his feet in the 72nd. minute when running onto a through ball. Athletic did leave the game with credit and earlier in the season it would have been regarded as a good result but the result effectively ended another season.