Huddersfield 2-1 Brentford: Kasey Palmer makes instant impact

Kasey Palmer made an instant impact in senior football as Huddersfield ended their opening day hoodoo with a 2-1 victory over Brentford.

Winger Palmer, on a season-long loan from Chelsea, had only been on the field a matter of seconds when he pounced to snatch the three points.

Palmer, 19, kept his cool when Dan Bentley saved from Rajiv van La Parra and slotted home a 79th-minute winner.

Huddersfield, who had lost their last eight opening-day fixtures at second-tier level, had gone ahead through another debutant, Elias Kachunga, five minutes after the break.

They failed to capitalise and allowed Brentford back into the game when another substitute, Nico Yennaris, levelled in the 77th minute.

Palmer, though, who had a reputation in the youth ranks at Chelsea for some spectacular goals, made himself an instant hero two minutes later.

Huddersfield, fielding six of their 12 new signings, made a quick-fire start to the game and had three chances in the first three minutes.

Van La Parra lashed over and then fired straight at Bentley, before Jack Payne, signed from Southend, measured a shot but curled his effort beyond the top corner.

Scott Hogan was a threat for the visitors, thought, and he forced a save from Danny Ward before firing across the face of goal.

Just past the half-hour, Josh Clarke's drilled cross fell for Hogan who appeared to be pulled back. He stayed on his feet amid appeals from the Brentford bench and flashed a shot beyond the far post.

Manager reactions

David Wagner and Dean Smith reactions

Mooy set up Kachunga, who slammed into the advertising boards before Lolley had the best chance but his powerful drive was beaten away by Bentley.

Kachunga put Huddersfield ahead in the 50th minute, rising well to meet Tommy Smith's cross and planting a downward header past Bentley.

Payne produced a viciously swerving effort which Bentley turned away but the home side eased off, allowing the Bees to hit back. Yennaris and Sam Saunders were part of a double substitution which made the difference.

Yennaris fired home under Ward after a build-up involving Romaine Saunders, Hogan and Lewis Macleod, who provided the final pass.

Just when Huddersfield could have crumbled, Palmer replaced Payne and van La Parra showed great determination beating two defenders before forcing the block from Bentley.

The ball broke loose and fell for Palmer to stroke home from close range.