Saturday 6 August 2016 20:46, UK
David Wagner hailed a "perfect start" for his new-look Huddersfield side as they clinched a 2-1 Sky Bet Championship victory over Brentford.
Kasey Palmer came off the bench to score the winner with his first touch in senior football. The 19-year-old on-loan Chelsea winger had only been on the pitch a minute when a rebound fell to him and he finished in style.
"It was a perfect start for him but it wasn't just perfect for him, it was the perfect start for the whole club.
"When I sent Kasey on I said to him: 'Enjoy it and decide the game.' I think he enjoyed it!" Wagner said. "Kasey is a real talent who is intelligent and bright and has a good future in the game if he continues to work hard."
Former Germany Under-21 striker Elias Kachunga, also making his debut, broke the deadlock for Town in the 50th when he rose well to score with a downward header.
Brentford equalised in the 77th minute when substitute Nico Yennaris fired home under goalkeeper Danny Ward but Palmer grabbed the winner two minutes later after Dan Bentley had saved from Rajiv van La Parra.
"It was an outstanding performance and we had many opportunities in the first five or six minutes," Wagner added. "In the second half we came into the game more and scored a great goal.
"Then we struggled for 10 or 15 minutes and defended too deep but then Kasey did a great job when he came on.
"What made me really proud was the togetherness we showed. The starting XI must know what the game plan is and those on the bench have to make an impact. Our substitutes were outstanding.
"We have to show our identity and everybody has to work together."
Brentford boss Dean Smith wants his squad to get fitter and admitted he needs his injured players back.
"We are missing one or two and there are a few who cannot do the full 90 minutes," Wagner said. "We know there is work to be done but we will get on with it.
"The game was a tactical stalemate until the first goal and that changed the game. I was disappointed with the first goal but overall the lads showed a lot of spirit. We brought on two subs - Yennaris and Sam Saunders - and we looked more lively.
"Nico gave us great energy when he came on and scored the goal. He had an infected toe and needed an injection so he could get on the field.
"At the moment we need wide players and that is what we are looking for."
