A moment of magic from Aaron Mooy was enough to secure the three points for Huddersfield against predicted relegation rivals Newcastle United.
Mooy picked the ball up in the Newcastle, was given time to pick out a lovely 1-2 with Elias Kachunga before curling the ball beyond Rob Elliot.
Ritchie and Perez came close for Newcastle but it was realistically a comfortable day for Jonas Lossl in the Town goal.
Newcastle fans felt aggrieved early on in the first half after a high boot from Kachunga drew blood from the face of Chancel Mbemba. They also felt that Steve Mounie should have been sent off after appearing to stand on Issac Hayden. However, the referee neglected to bring out his cards.
United were the first to come close when Ayoze Perez passed the ball to Ritchie who struck the ball from the edge of the area but found his shot well saved by Lossl.
Huddersfield controlled the ball for much of the first half without really troubling Rob Elliot. Mooys curling effort just after half time looked like it was always going to be the difference.
Newcastle then brought on new signing Joselu in an attempt to liven up their attacking play. They looked improved but remained unlikely scorers.
Newcastle’s best chance came when a corner was whipped in from the left-hand side, found its way to Ayoze Perez who volleyed his chance over the bar.
A lack of urgency was evident from Newcastle and Huddersfield’s solid defensive display was too much for the Magpies in the end.
PLAYER RATINGS
Newcastle United: Elliot 5, Manquillo 6, Lascelles 7, Clark 6.5, Mbemba 6.5, Hayden 6, Merino 6.5, Atsu 6, Perez 5.5, Ritchie 6, Gayle 5.
SUBS: Joselu 6, Diame 5, Murphy N/A
Huddersfield Town: Lossl 7, Smith 6.5, Jorgensen 7, Schindler 8, Lowe 7.5, Mooy 8, Billing 6.5, Kachunga 6, Ince 6, Van La Parra 6.5, Mounie 5.5.
SUBS: Quaner 6, Palmer 5.5, Hefele N/A.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Aaron Mooy