- Brighton loanee Ayari was extremely lucky to put Coventry ahead
- Simms’ shot went off the crossbar before hitting Ayari and curling into the net
- Helik only leveled late when the defender sent the ball in from close range
When Huddersfield owner Kevin Nagle made the decision to replace Neil Warnock with Darren Moore last week, the American, who completed his takeover in June, knew there would be plenty of criticism for his bold move.
Although there was an understanding between Warnock and the club when he signed a one-year deal in the summer that he would step aside if necessary, the fact that the legendary manager described himself as ‘kicked out’ , along with his assistant Ronnie Jepson’s insistence that they were ‘told to walk away’ suggests the 74-year-old was not entirely happy.
Nagle will therefore have thoroughly enjoyed the Terriers’ dramatic 1-1 draw with Coventry thanks to Michal Helik’s 95th-minute equalizer, which canceled out Yasin Ayari’s bizarre opener.
Mark Robins’ side have struggled to get going since their play-off final defeat to Luton last season. They won just once this season, finishing in 19th place before kick-off.
But it was hard to sense any potential lack of confidence as they blasted out the blocks and forced a succession of early turns.
Michal Helik scored the final equalizer in Darren Moore’s first game as Huddersfield boss
The defender was ready to cross the ball in from close range after the home side failed to clear the ball
The visitors – perhaps still showing many of the hallmarks of a Warnock side – defended resolutely with their back five until disaster struck midway through the first half.
A careless backpass from Ben Jackson, one of four changes Moore made, was seized by the menacing Ellis Simms.
Everton’s £8million summer signing is yet to score for the club, but he cut inside and thundered an effort against the crossbar, with the ball hitting Yasin Ayari on the rebound and bizarrely going over the line.
It was the on-loan player’s first goal for Coventry and he is unlikely to score an odd goal. There were shouts of offside and Huddersfield’s protests were not helped by the large screen on the pitch showing replays of the Swedish striker appearing to be ahead of his man.
Moore had plenty to think about at the break and whatever he said seemed to have an impact as the Terriers were a very different side in the second period.
Brighton loanee Yasin Ayari enjoyed immense luck in scoring his first goal for Coventry
Ellis Simms’ fierce shot hit the crossbar before hitting Ayari and flying into the net
Delano Burgzorg came alive and both the Dutch striker and Huddersfield’s top scorer Jack Rudoni forced Ben Wilson into action as they went higher and put more men forward, forcing City into some last-ditch defending.
Wilson was then forced into an extended save from Sorba Thomas’ free-kick as the pressure began to press, before Jack Rudoni was booked for diving in the penalty area.
It looked like Coventry had weathered the storm, with Sky Blues striker Haji Wright then firing over from two yards with the goal gaping which would have secured the three points.
However, Huddersfield broke into the dying embers of stoppage time and when Coventry failed to deal with Thomas’ cross, Helik pounced on the loose ball to fire home in the most dramatic of circumstances to secure a point, while Boos rang out from the home fans on the field. full time.