Huddersfield seal fairy tale season with promotion to Premier League after penalty win over Reading.
In a tense and hardly fought Championship play-off final between Huddersfield and Reading, the Terriers emerged as victors in the cruellest of fashions thanks to Christopher Schindler's winning penalty.
Huddersfield were initially behind in the shootout when Michael Helefe's poorly struck spot kick was saved by Royals stopper Ali Al-Habsi. But Liam Moore skied his effort over the bar before Danny Ward saved Jordan Obita's penalty low down to his left before Schindler stepped up.
It was a deserved victory for Huddersfield, who missed a golden opportunity early on through Izzy Brown. The on loan Chelsea player astonishing put the ball wide with an open goal at his mercy. Later, Nahki Wells had a chance he had been waiting for all game in the final few minutes of extra-time when the ball fell to his feet on the edge of the area but the tired frontman pulled his effort wide.
Speaking to SkySports, David Wagner admitted even he didn't think promotion was possible at the start of the season. He said: “Did I think we would get promoted, no. I thought we were able to get more than just fighting for relegation though.
"Over the season I thought we were able to do a little bit more. After Christmas I thought we have a real chance to get into the play-offs. This group of players deserve it," added Wagner.
Huddersfield fans were not the only ones celebrating on Monday evening as Oddschecker tipster Mike Holden had a winning trio of selections. He shrewdly tipped a draw at 11/5, no goal scorer at 15/2 and Huddersfield to win on penalties giving his followers a tidy return after the bank holiday.
While fans in Wembley were still celebrating Huddersfield's win, eager punters were already eyeing up the price on the Terriers to go down next season with Betway offering the best price of 11/10, whereas SkyBet and Paddy Power have them as short as 8/13.
Huddersfield were initially behind in the shootout when Michael Helefe's poorly struck spot kick was saved by Royals stopper Ali Al-Habsi. But Liam Moore skied his effort over the bar before Danny Ward saved Jordan Obita's penalty low down to his left before Schindler stepped up.
It was a deserved victory for Huddersfield, who missed a golden opportunity early on through Izzy Brown. The on loan Chelsea player astonishing put the ball wide with an open goal at his mercy. Later, Nahki Wells had a chance he had been waiting for all game in the final few minutes of extra-time when the ball fell to his feet on the edge of the area but the tired frontman pulled his effort wide.
Speaking to SkySports, David Wagner admitted even he didn't think promotion was possible at the start of the season. He said: “Did I think we would get promoted, no. I thought we were able to get more than just fighting for relegation though.
"Over the season I thought we were able to do a little bit more. After Christmas I thought we have a real chance to get into the play-offs. This group of players deserve it," added Wagner.
Huddersfield fans were not the only ones celebrating on Monday evening as Oddschecker tipster Mike Holden had a winning trio of selections. He shrewdly tipped a draw at 11/5, no goal scorer at 15/2 and Huddersfield to win on penalties giving his followers a tidy return after the bank holiday.
While fans in Wembley were still celebrating Huddersfield's win, eager punters were already eyeing up the price on the Terriers to go down next season with Betway offering the best price of 11/10, whereas SkyBet and Paddy Power have them as short as 8/13.
