Newcastle United took another big step towards automatic-promotion from the Championship as they beat Huddersfield Town.
Newcastle United’s Daryl Murphy
Daryl Murphy has suggested that he cannot understand why Huddersfield Town’s players were complaining following his goal in Newcastle United’s win on Saturday, the Shields Gazette reports.
The Magpies took a major step towards securing a top two finish in the Championship as they beat David Wagner’s men 3-1 at the John Smith’s Stadium.
But the Terriers were left frustrated with Newcastle’s second goal as Murphy emerged from a challenge with Huddersfield goalkeeper Danny Ward with the ball, before slotting it into the back of the net. The home side felt that Ward had control of the ball, and thus, Murphy committed a foul when he took it away from him.
But the 33-year-old hit back at suggestions he committed a foul by insisting that he won the ball fairly.
Newcastle United’s Daryl Murphy in action with Huddersfield Town’s Danny Ward before scoring their second goal
“Huddersfield were not happy with my goal, but the ball was there to be won,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette. “I don’t know what they are complaining about.
“I went for it and took it off the keeper. I was thinking of crossing it, but the goal was open and I chances my arm. Fortunately, it went in.”
It is hardly a surprise that Huddersfield feel frustrated following the defeat. With Brighton losing earlier in the day, they had the perfect opportunity to close the gap to the top two.
But despite dominating possession, Huddersfield were unable to keep Newcastle at bay and have now lost more ground to Rafa Benitez’s men while also missing the chance to put serious pressure on Brighton.
And given the controversy surrounding the second goal – whether it was a foul or not – it is not surprising that Murphy’s goal was the focal point of their frustrations.
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