Huddersfield Town 4-0 Charlton Athletic: Terriers go five clear of the relegation zone
- Published
Karlan Grant, who joined Huddersfield from Charlton in January 2019, has now netted 16 goals in 34 appearances for the Terriers this season
Huddersfield Town moved five points clear of the Championship relegation zone as Karlan Grant scored twice in a convincing victory over Charlton Athletic at the John Smith's Stadium.
Former Addicks forward Grant pounced on a mistake from Adedeji Oshilaja before burying the ball past Dillon Phillips to open the scoring for the Terriers midway through the first half.
Charlton came close to a leveller in the second period, but substitute Steve Mounie put the hosts in control, deflecting home Harry Toffolo's cross with 15 minutes remaining to double the lead.
And Grant netted his second and the Terriers' third in stoppage time after being played through by Juninho Bacuna, who then scored himself from long-range.
A confident Huddersfield came into the fixture off the back of a fine 2-1 win over Bristol City in midweek, having been winless in their previous three.
And, despite a strong start from the visitors, Grant grabbed the opening goal after 25 minutes - netting his 15th goal of the season for Danny Cowley's side.
The Terriers very nearly doubled their advantage 12 minutes later as Emile Smith-Rowe forced a fine save from Phillips, before Grant smashed the rebound against the outside of the post from a tight angle.
Huddersfield had won their past three league games against Charlton but were nearly pegged back just after half-time as former Manchester United and Leicester City defender Danny Simpson intercepted Adam Matthews' cross with Andre Green lurking at the back post.
The Addicks again went close in the second half as Lyle Taylor was unable to poke Jason Pearce's knockdown over the line.
But once Mounie diverted Toffolo's cross in with his chest two minutes after coming on, Huddersfield regained control and added two more goals on the break through Grant and Bacuna in the closing stages.
The result meant Huddersfield move up to 17th in the table, while defeat for Charlton leaves them just two points above the relegation zone in 20th, with Lee Bowyer's side having earned just six points from their past 15 away fixtures.
Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley told BBC Radio Leeds:
"It was obviously a big game in our season, it's been a big week and a very important win.
"We wanted to build on the momentum from Tuesday night, we were obviously confident after that performance.
"(The win) takes us a step in the right direction, we're certainly not getting ahead of ourselves. We want to finish the season in a really strong way and give Huddersfield supporters hope again."
Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer said:
"I'd like to think (this defeat) gives (my players) a kick up the backside. It should do, if they've got any pride that will hurt. And I'm sure it does because it hurts me.
"Believe it or not I'm already looking forward to next weekend because the group of players I've got are honest.
"That will be hurting them today. I'm looking forward to the reaction I get."