MATCH REACTION: McCann makes a strong case for the defence

Peterborough United manager Grant McCann paid tribute to his back four and goalkeeper following tonight's (July 26) 1-0 friendly win at Championship side Brentford.
Posh manager Grant McCann before the game with Brentford boss Dean Smith. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh manager Grant McCann before the game with Brentford boss Dean Smith. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh manager Grant McCann before the game with Brentford boss Dean Smith. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh had to soak up a lot of pressure following Paul Taylor’s second-minute goal, but they managed to restrict higher-level opponents to few clearcut scoring chances.

McCann said: “It’s a notable win against a very good side. It’s not really the way we want to win, but there will be times in League One when we don’t play that well with the ball and we will have to roll our sleeves up and dig in to get a result.

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“That’s why we strengthened the defence this summer and new players Andrew Hughes and Ryan Tafazolli were again excellent, while Ben Alnwick has made some great saves.

Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We were hanging on a bit at the end, but I was really pleased with the way we defended and I was pleased with the how the whole team set about a difficult fixture.

“Paul Taylor took his goal very well. It was a good piece of play by Shaquile Coulthirst and a clever finish. Shaquile should have made it 2-0 later on, but we got a win with the sort of goal Lee Glover (assistant manager) has been working on in training.

“We’ve had two teams out tonight and virtually everyone has another 90 minutes into their legs. I took Shaquile off towards the end after he picked up a knock, but it’s nothing serious.

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“We’re building up the fitness now. We should be ready to go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday when the competitive football kicks off.”

Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh full-back Michael Smith wins this header in the friendly game at Brentford. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Midfielder Jermaine Anderson and 16 year-old left-back Lewis Freestone joined winger Jon Taylor and central defender Ricardo Santos on the sidelines because of injury tonight.

They could all return for Saturday’s final first-team friendly of the summer against Barnsley at the ABAX Stadium on Saturday (July 30) when a team will also travel to face non-league Ware FC, a club managed by Posh legend Ken Charlery.

Striker Lee Angol and midfielder Brad Inman are long-term injury victims.

A Posh XI also drew 2-2 at National League Lincoln tonight. Goals from Adil Nabi and Jordan Nicholson gave Posh a 2-0 half-time lead. Posh goalkeeper Mark Tyler saved a penalty.