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Posh 0, Preston 1 - Posh easy meat for Fergie's scavengers
The most irritating fact about Peterborough United in the Championship right now is how easily poor sides are beating them.
The most irritating fact about Peterborough United in the Championship right now is how easily poor sides are beating them.On this evidence Darren Ferguson has his work cut out making Preston proud again, but they still cantered to a comfortable success against a side so bereft of confidence, it's a surprise they didn't come out wearing masks to hide their identity in the second-half.
Posh enjoyed decent bits of possession for parts of the first 20 minutes and exerted some pressure when substitute Izale McLeod started running at defenders in the final stages, but in between it was another shocking mess of poor passing, criminal crossing and precious little determination.
It was all such an anti-climax considering Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony's pre-match attempt to frighten his players into action and to inspire his supporters into showing hostility towards their returning ex-boss. Neither plan worked.
Match details:
POSH 0
PRESTON 1
GOALS: Preston – Mellor (34 mins).
CAUTIONS: Preston – Chaplow (persistent fouling), Parkin (delaying the re-start).
REFEREE: Darren Sheldrake 5
ATTENDANCE: 7,134
Reaction:
Ferguson hits back at Posh.
Cooper refuses to criticise his players after defeat.
Fergie keeps cool on his Posh return.
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Posh even had a couple of other pre-match boosts. Indestructable George Boyd shrugged off his ankle injury to make it 139 League appearances in a row, while manager Mark Cooper also sprang a selection surprise by restoring Aaron Mclean to the starting line-up.
It could have been a tactical masterstroke as Mclean reportedly went on to the transfer list when Ferguson dropped him for the first time in two years, or it could have been an attempt at a gentle rehabilitation for a player less popular now than at any other time in his London Road career – after all there were other players around more deserving of a boo.
Preston's former Posh defender Sean St Ledger for a start, a player who has apparently learnt much during his international career as some theatrical dives to win fouls from another weak referee proved.
As for the 'action' it was quite simply a dreadful spectacle. Posh had probably enjoyed more possession before Neil Mellor accepted a pass from Ross Wallace (who in turn had picked up a dreadful pass from home full-back Kerrea Gilbert) and supplied a classy finish from the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute.
Preston cruised from then on and were only denied further goals by a fine Joe Lewis save from Richard Chaplow's header and when Ryan Bennett hacked Mellor's shot off the line. Mclean had wasted the best Posh opportunity in the ninth minute with a soft header from Boyd's cross. He also missed the ball completely after Chris Whelpdale had headed on a free-kick, but not until the last five minutes did Peterborough United threaten again.
Mcleod shot wide after bursting through the visiting defence and Boyd tried to cross instead of shooting moments later. Posh badly missed the energy of sick striker Craig Mackail-Smith, who had a virus and was maybe in need of a service after running about 10,000 miles this season.
Some of the others have yet to reach 10 miles. Lee and Bennett can hold their heads up high after last night, but few players are showing the form or desire to suggest that the rest of this season is going to be anything other than a long, depressing haul towards an inevitable relegation.
Player Rankings
Peterborough
Joe Lewis 6
Excellent save second half kept Posh in touch, no chance with goal
Kerrea Gilbert 5
Poor pass started the move for the killer goal, didn't improve
Scott Griffiths 5
Poor night by his standards, not comfortable in possession or defending
Ryan Bennett 6
Did well against strikers with a decent reputation, good goal-line clearance
Charlie Lee 7
Very solid again, can be pleased with his centre-back displays
Chris Whelpdale 5
Won his headers, but passed poorly
Josh Simpson 6
Competed well and unleashed a couple of fine long shots
Jake Livermore 5
Poorest display of his time here, no impact on game
George Boyd 5
He's lost his spark trying to carry the attack
Aaron Mclean 5
Missed the best couple of chances
Reuben Reid 5
Worked hard, but little came off for him
Substitutes:
Izale McLeod: (for Reid, 60 mins).
Lee Frecklington: (for Whelpdale, 78 mins).
Ben Wright: (for Mclean, 88 mins).
Tommy Rowe: (not used).
Paul Coutts: (not used).
Tom Williams: (not used).
James McKeown: (not used).
Preston
Andy Lonergan: 7
Michael Hart: 6
Callum Davidson: 7
Sean St Ledger: 7
Youl Mawene: 7
Billy Jones: 6
Richard Chaplow: 6
Ross Wallace: 6
Chris Brown: 6
Danny Welbeck: 6
Neil Mellor: 6
Substitutes:
Darren Carter: (for Davidson, 73 mins).
John Parkin: (for Mellor, 80 mins).
Neil Collins: (for Welbeck, 90 mins).
Danny Mayor: (not used).
Wayne Henderson: (not used).
Adam Barton: (not used).
Liam Chilvers: (not used).
Match preview:
26 January:
Cooper: We need eleven heroes.
MacAnthony: 'Show guts and play with pride and no fear'.
Spotlight on Preston.
Boyd no intention of jumping sinking ship.
Fergie expects good reception on return.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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