SAINTS were forced to settle for a point as Huddersfield Town came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw at John Smith's Stadium.

Adam Armstrong netted his 10th goal of the campaign to give the visitors the lead in first-half added time, and set them on their way to a ninth game unbeaten. 

However, Ben Jackson's hopeful cross evaded everyone on its way in, in the 87th minute, following a sustained half of pressure.

It was the Terriers who went closer to a winner against a Saints side without manager Russell Martin, serving a one-match touchline ban, as assistant Matt Gill orchestrated. 

Saints made two changes from their victory over West Brom last time out, with Jan Bednarek reclaiming his spot from Mason Holgate and Ryan Fraser rotating with Charly Alcaraz.

That result made it eight games unbeaten in the Championship, with six wins in that time, and Saints were heavy favourites to continue that run.

Martin served his suspension for three bookings and took his seat in the stands, merely a few yards from the touchline admittedly, along with CEO Phil Parsons and chairman Henrik Kraft.

Huddersfield were wrestling an injury crisis and boss Darren Moore had to make five changes, including losing first-team goalkeeper Lee Nicholls. 

This worsened with Kian Harrett's substitution just 21 minutes into the contest and Saints took full advantage - the Terriers saw just 18 per cent of possession in the first 45 minutes.

Bednarek was needed for some strong recovery defending on Josh Koroma though, who had broken through one-on-one. 

Jaheim Headley thought he was in behind and rounded Gavin Bazunu, but the linesman's flag cut short the golden opportunity. 

Stuart Armstrong thumped one off the post just ahead of half-time and Smallbone stung the keeper's hands shortly after.

Their persistence paid when S Armstrong latched onto a lofted Will Smallbone ball and cut back for his namesake to get in front of his man and open during two minutes of added time. 

Huddersfield went close immediately on the restart and Saints responded with an early change, as Sam Edozie replaced Kamaldeen Sulemana after the Ghanaian was booked. 

Clear headed chances passed Sorba Thomas and Michael Helik by for the home side before Saints made three more changes, including the introduction of Ross Stewart, with 10 minutes remaining.

It was Huddersfield who would make the crucial last move. Jackson's deep cross evaded all the heads attacking it and beat Bazunu as it nestled inside the far post. 

Bazunu was forced into a sliding challenge closer to his halfway line than box as Huddersfield countered from a corner-kick, after Che Adams was the last roll of the dice.

Huddersfield Town: Maxwell, Pearson, Helik, Hogg, Koroma (Diarra, 71), Thomas, Headley (Burgzorg, 65), Kasamu, Harratt (Nakayama, 21), Jackson, Lees.

Unused subs: Chapman, Edwards, Austerfield. 

Booked: Kasumu, Headley, Lees. 

Saints: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bree (Manning, 80); Downes, Smallbone (Adams, 90), S Armstrong (Charles, 80); Fraser (Stewart, 80) Kamaldeen (Edozie, 54), A Armstrong. 

Unused subs: McCarthy, Holgate, Aribo, Alcaraz. 

Booked: Kamaldeen.

Referee: David Webb.