Huddersfield Town reach Carabao Cup next round

Lee Nicholls starred as Huddersfield Town defeated Leicester City on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Carabao Cup first round.

Huddersfield Town beat Leicester City in penalties

Lee Nicholls was the hero as Huddersfield Town beat Leicester City in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in the Carabao Cup first round. Leicester led through Hamza Choudhury and Harry Winks, while Huddersfield equalised through Dan Vost from a rebound after Dion Charles's saved penalty, and Cameron Ashia curled in a late equaliser to force penalties. In the shootout Nicholls saved two Leicester kicks and Town progressed. Town named on loan attacker Leo Castledine on debut and the rest of the lineup showed a mix of youth and experience as they held firm against late pressure.

Town showed resilience throughout, with Roughan and Roosken providing width and solidity at the back while the midfield pairing of Vost and Charles helped stifle Leicester’s creative play until the shootout ended.

This Cup tie doubles as a chance to test depth and build confidence. Huddersfield used the night to give minutes to younger players while leaning on Nicholls to keep the score tight when it mattered most. The result hints at a broader lesson for clubs in mid table: cup runs can seed momentum and push players toward greater responsibility.

For Leicester, rotation produced a spirited fight but also a reminder that pace of play and precision in front of goal are crucial in knockout football. The night offers hope for Town’s youth while signaling that patience and focus are still needed to sustain success across a longer campaign.

Highlights

Cup nights like this shape a season in quiet, steady ways