Since we beat them Peterborough have lost only twice, both by a single goal at Blackpool (3-4) and Shrewsbury (0-1) and both were at the beginning of November. They are 2nd in the table and have a goal difference of 18 and careful fact-finding is necessary to discover the odd crumb of comfort upon which we might seize to justify some hope for our forthcoming meeting.
First is the fact that they have not scored as many goals recently (3 in 3 league matches this month). Second, they have only actually won one game in December and then only 1-0 against Bolton at home. Perspective dictates though, that I should say that the other 2 have been away draws at Bristol Rovers and Portsmouth. Third is that if they can only beat the lovable Trotters 1-0 they may be thrown out of gear by teams that are not playing all that well. Fourth we might be seen as their bogey team; even when we have been in poor form, we usually get a good result against them. Fifth and this a very tenuous one, Posh’s prolific forwards are very much in demand in the January transfer window; if I were one of them, having established my value, I would want to avoid any injuries between now and the opening.
So, optimism raised, I have convinced myself that we will have a chance of avoiding defeat. I am unsure though of whether like the manager I should identify with being “happy to a certain extent" since beyond that parameter there may be a crucial, possibly larger degree of unhappiness.
If we do lose, I will look to examine whether it is entirely disconnected with his preference for the likes of Daniels, Bingham, Thomas and Gomez, none of whom seem up to the standard of the other 7, rather than Amos (now 20!) and Hasani and other home-grown players whose very occasional appearances have shown promise yet who get no where nearly as many chances as these recent Moore recruits. In fact, I am beginning to doubt that there is an active young player development policy.
I fear that it will be none of the home-grown young players on which we are enabled to rely and perhaps Peterborough 1 : Rovers 2 is supremely optimistic in the circumstances, but I don't want to make myself miserable. I’ll go for Anderson and Taylor to score.
DPL vs Peterborough
posted on 26/12/19
Just the Christmas present we needed! The Ref. did his best to spoil the game throwing around cards like confetti. However, some of the Posh players did not help by throwing themselves to the ground and rolling around in faked agony - must have taken lessons from a certain Brazilian! On the iFollow replay it did not seem James had any contact with the Posh player who basically slipped - but still got a yellow card. I assume Dieng's was for time wasting - his walking behind the goal to collect the ball was off-screen, but he seemed to have it back and ready for a kick reasonably quickly to me. With such a win it is hard to criticize any player, but Sheaf is frustrating as he has brilliant touches but still too many sloppy passes. Based on this performance we have just about the best two centre backs in League 1. Anderson was an absolute rock for 90 minutes and had two fantastic goal line clearances. Overall, a great defensive performance by the team, and Dieng topped it off with that great reaction save that kept the clean sheet near the end. Also we have not seen such ruthless finishing for some time - glad Sadlier is looking more like he did earlier in the season.
posted on 26/12/19
Would have been a bigger margin if 26 had played.
posted on 26/12/19
2 arrests apparently made in the away end for racist behaviour. Very concerning - if guilty, there should be substantial bans imposed.
posted on 26/12/19
Gomes and Whiteman seem a better holding midfield pair than Whiteman/Sheaf. Wright/Anderson perfect pairing. Sadlier better in a more forward role. John is class anywhere. Ennis probably the best lone striker we've got at the moment. Copps for Sheaf against Sunderland?
posted on 26/12/19
Nookie ? We just won 0 3
posted on 26/12/19
Crazyrover
A video has been doing the rounds on social media showing 2 lads outside the away end with stewards and police. One clearly walks off and the other is being spoken to. Apparently they or one of them has a stadium ban and had been ejected. No one within and around where they were sat has confirmed they heard anything racial, sources come from several parties on that point. We wait and see, hopefully nothing does become of it at all.
posted on 27/12/19
Thanks Azza, let's hope there's nothing in it.
posted on 27/12/19
nookie, I'm right with you - Copps for Sheaf against Sunderland.
posted on 27/12/19
It was a bonus albeit at the cost of £10 to see this streamed live and perhaps there was some truth in Ferguson’s saying that it was never “a 3-0”. However, it was definitely a game which Rovers more than shaded even though they did survive a number of narrow squeaks, thanks to heroic defence.
I am glad that Micky made the comment about Sheaf because at one stage he made a series of dreadful blunders with his passing; even when they found the man, they were often ill-judged with little chance of a closely-marked recipient making anything of them.
The game was won by the defenders and the wing backs with some wonderful flowing moves and deft touches form John and Ennis. Sadlier is a sophisticated finisher, but he seems to disappear for long spells.
Lanza’s point about Copps is made jocularly I know,
but in fact it was more the pace of movement of men and ball that discomforted Peterborough. Copps would have slowed it down and perhaps that was not the ideal recipe for yesterday.
My supreme optimism (and Nookie's) was justified after all!
posted on 27/12/19
Pity I can't post the graphic of the line up. It's esthetically pleasing and reminded me of the old video game of space invaders!