Huddersfield one win back in Premier League as Jordan Rhodes goal propels them into Championship play-off final at expense of Luton

Huddersfield booked their place in the Championship play-off final as Jordan Rhodes’ late strike sealed them a 1-0 win over Luton.

Rhodes, who replaced Danny Ward in the first half, snuck in at the far post to bring the Terriers one step closer to a Premier League return after a three-year absence as they sealed a 2-1 aggregate win.

It was tough for Luton, who were the better team for long stretches on the night after being held 1-1 at Kenilworth Road in Friday’s first leg.

But Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls made several telling saves and Rhodes’ goalscoring instinct proved the difference as the Yorkshire side booked their place in the Wembley final against Nottingham Forest or Sheffield United May 29.

Luton, keen to complete a remarkable rise from the National League to the Premier League in eight years, created the encounter’s first clear opening.

Harry Cornick’s effort, first hit from a low Kal Naismith cross, forced Huddersfield keeper Nicholls into a close-range save.

Nicholls then knocked down a long-range shot from Robert Snodgrass and while Huddersfield grabbed early possession, they had to wait until the 19th minute for their first effort on goal when Ward headed for goal.

Luton looked to have taken control when Nicholls again saved well from James Bree’s curling shot just after the half hour mark but was then beholden to keeper Matt Ingram.

City defender Harry Toffolo burst into the Luton box and fired towards goal, but Ingram parried clear to keep the visitors level.

As in the first leg, Luton shaded the first half before Huddersfield lifted their fans to a full house by forcing a corner shortly after the restart.

But the Hatters were the first to threaten in the second period when Amari’i Bell headed in Allan Campbell’s cross.

Terriers boss Carlos Corberan sent Sorba Thomas in place of Danel Sinani with half an hour to play and the substitute’s superb free-kick was headed in by Tom Lees, but referee Peter Bankes had already blown for a mistake.

Huddersfield-born Luton striker Cameron Jerome replaced Danny Hylton shortly after and from his pass Cornick’s angled shot was cleared away by Nicholls.

Huddersfield were then denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in the 77th minute.

Ingram made a scrambled save and after fumbling for the ball he clearly hampered Toffolo as the keeper tried to collect it, but referee Bankes was unmoved by the home support’s fury.

Huddersfield’s grievance did not last long. Thomas curled in an excellent free-kick at the far post and Rhodes got behind Bell to bring the ball back eight minutes from time.

The home side, relegated from the top flight in 2019, held on without incident and when Bankes charged down the tunnel while blowing the final whistle, Terriers fans ran onto the pitch in celebration.