Brace ace Ibehre's dismay at defeat.

Byline: Rob Tanner

IT TAKES a lot to wipe the smile off Walsall striker Jabo Ibehre's face but Huddersfield Town's victory at the Banks's Stadium on Saturday, after he had given the Saddlers a twogoal lead, came close.

Ibehre struck twice in the first half to hand his side what looked an insurmountable lead, but then Andy Booth's double within three minutes just before half-time and Martin Kelly's second-half winner meant the Saddlers striker's ninth and 10th goals of the season ultimately counted for nothing.

"It is disheartening but we thought we had another half to put it right, you remain optimistic but it was unfortunate," he said.

"It's one of those games where it's disappointing, especially with the way we played in the first half, to come away with nothing.

"To take the lead and get another goal we thought we had it and it would be a nice afternoon to go and enjoy the football but there is always a twist so it's a bit disappointing.

"We played as well as we have in recent weeks but to play that well and lose is a bit disheartening really." Ibehre's goal return has not reflected his overall contribution and manager Chris Hutchings has been working hard to give his striker a more ruthless streak.

"Sometimes you get your rewards and sometimes you don't, and it was pleasing to score twice, definitely," Ibehre said.

"The gaffer has been telling me to be more selfish and be a bit more ruthless, and hopefully I can learn to do that more and get some results at the same time.

"Ten goals wasn't my target, it was my first target but then I had a little target after that, but there are still two more games to go. It would have been nice if we won as well but I'm pleased with myself and I'll continue learning and get better."

CAPTION(S):

Jabo Ibehre.