Jordan Rhodes delivered a legendary four-goal performance for Huddersfield Town in a chaotic 4-4 Yorkshire derby draw at Sheffield Wednesday in December 2011. The match at Hillsborough saw eight goals and nine cards in a contest that swung dramatically between the two sides separated by just a single point in the standings. The current Huddersfield Town squad sits second in League One with four points from two games, scoring four goals and conceding just one for a plus-three goal difference.
How did Jordan Rhodes dominate the first half?
Rhodes, then a 21-year-old forward who had already netted 15 times that season, announced his intent early. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute and doubled Huddersfield Town's lead just four minutes later. His quick brace gave the Terriers a commanding 2-0 advantage away from home. Sheffield Wednesday's response was swift and physical, with defenders Rob Jones and Reda Johnson both finding the net to level the score before the half-hour mark. The frantic opening period set the tone for a match that refused to settle.
What swung the game back to Sheffield Wednesday?
The second half saw the Owls seize what looked like a decisive lead through inventive play. Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater launched a long kick that found winger Ben Marshall, who finished from a tight angle. The home side's fourth goal came from a set-piece routine in the 74th minute. Chris Lines took a free-kick from the halfway line and forward Chris O'Grady powered a header home, putting Wednesday 4-2 up and seemingly out of sight.
How did Huddersfield Town complete the comeback?
Jordan Rhodes was not finished. He completed his hat-trick with a precise strike across the goalkeeper shortly after O'Grady's goal, giving Huddersfield Town a lifeline at 4-3. Then, deep into seven minutes of added time, Rhodes pounced for a historic fourth. A missed kick from the Wednesday goalkeeper led to a final opportunity, which Rhodes converted to seal an unforgettable 4-4 draw and a personal haul of four goals in a single Yorkshire derby.
What was the long-term impact of this match?
The stunning individual display left a lasting impression on Sheffield Wednesday supporters, sparking a long-term interest in signing Rhodes. He would eventually join the Owls later in his career, though his spell at Hillsborough did not match the heights of that December night. For Huddersfield Town, it was a showcase of a young striker's immense potential. The current team, sitting two points behind leaders Bradford City, will hope for similar decisive performances in key matches as they chase promotion. Fans can track the team's progress in the standings and view the full squad list for the 2026 campaign.
Where does this rank in Huddersfield Town history?
This eight-goal thriller remains one of the most memorable matches in recent Huddersfield Town history due to Rhodes' phenomenal contribution. It encapsulated the unpredictable nature of derby football, where momentum can shift in an instant. While the current side's defensive record of one goal conceded in two games is far more solid, the capacity for thrilling attacking football is a tradition the club cherishes. The 2011 classic serves as a reminder of the drama that defines encounters between Yorkshire rivals.
