MATCH PREVIEW: Centre-back is goal-hunting as Edwards set to make debut

Ryan Tafazolli (5) scores for Posh against Boston. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

The 24 year-old centre-back, who arrived at the ABAX Stadium on a free transfer from League Two side Mansfield, notched on his Posh debut in Saturday’s (July 9) 1-1 friendly draw at Boston United.

But Tafazolli, who scored six goals for Mansfield last season, is more interested for now on reaching peak fitness before the League One opener at Rochdale on August 6.

Tafazolli will take his place at the heart of the Posh defence for 45 minutes of tonight’s (July 11, 7.30pm kick off) second friendly of the summer at National League side Boreham Wood.

Lewis Freestone in action for Posh against Boston. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“I’ll be disappointed if I don’t chip in with a few goals this season,” Tafazolli said. “It was good to get one at Boston, but these games are all about getting match fit and working on the way we want to play.

“We tried to play out from the back at every opportunity at Boston. We tried to paint some pictures and we did play some good football.

“We’ve had to be professional and recover well over the weekend ahead of another game when we will bank some important minutes again.”

Manager Grant McCann will again restrict his players to a maximum of 45 minutes tonight.

Ricardo Santos in action for Posh against Boston. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Striker Lee Angol won’t take part as the ankle injury he suffered at Boston is still being assessed. Midfielder Jermaine Anderson and right-back Michael Smith are also expected to be absent because of slight knocks and niggles.

Striker Aaron Williams and new midfielder Gwion Edwards should take part tnight after missing the Boston game. Paul Taylor, who is training with his former club, may also be given some game-time against a team who beat Championship outfit Brentford 2-1 on Friday (July 8).

Sixteen year-olds Lewis Freestone, a left-back, and midfielder Cameron Gow are in the travelling squad again.

McCann said: “It will be the same approach as the Boston game. The players will get 45 minutes tonight and then we will step it up to an hour against Norwich (July 16). We will mix the teams around for tonight’s game.

“It will be a good test for the players. Boreham Wood are a decent side and have played a number of fixtures already,

“I was pleased with how the Boston game went. The results aren’t as important as improving fitness and finding good partnerships.”

Admission tonight is £12 for adults, £10 for over 65s, £6 for under 16s and £3 for under 12s.