MATCH REACTION: Enjoyment is now the name of the game for Peterborough United

Peterborough United are determined to enjoy their football between now and the end of the League One season.
Tom Nichols is joined oin his goal celebrations by Posh team-mate Andrew Hughes. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Tom Nichols is joined oin his goal celebrations by Posh team-mate Andrew Hughes. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Tom Nichols is joined oin his goal celebrations by Posh team-mate Andrew Hughes. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

That’s the promise from top scorer Tom Nichols who bagged his 12th goal of his first campaign at third tier level in yesterday’s (February 25) 3-1 win against Rochdale at the ABAX Stadium.

It was a crucial win for eighth-placed Posh as they closed the gap on the play-off places to three points with 12 matches to go ahead of tough away games at rivals Millwall (February 28) and Bradford City (March 4).

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Captain Jack Baldwin and Paul Taylor also scored. Baldwin then became one of three players dismissed by referee Chris Sarginson who also showed red cards to Rochdale pair Joe Rafferty and Donal McDermott.

Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“It was a strange game, but we won it and that’s all that really matters,” Nichols stated. “We haven’t played well at home lately so it was important we put that right and we did.

“It’s unusual to see a team go down to nine men, but it’s not as easy as you’d think to play against. The pressure is on as you’re expected to score lots of goals and create lots of chances, but there isn’t a lot of space around the penalty area.

“But we stuck at it and claimed the three points to keep ourselves in a good place in the table. We’re far from out of contention.

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“The manager did a great job in relaxing everyone this week. We were very chilled as we wanted to get back to enjoying our football as we did when we were playing well and winning games early on.

Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh top scorer Tom Nichols bursts between two Rochdale defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We’ve made the mistake of getting too far ahead of ourselves. We were going into games thinking if we win this one we will get to a certain place in the table, but now all our focus is just on winning the next match to see where we end up.

“That’s the attitude we will take into the Millwall game.”

Nichols has now scored in consecutive games as he quietly amasses a satisfactory goals total, one that could keep the terrace critics off his back.

“I know I have my doubters, but as long as the manager is happy then I’m happy,” Nichols added. “I have missed a few chances this season, but 12 goals is not bad and there are still a few games to go.

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“I know I have more goals in me and I know this team will create chances for me.

“I don’t remember much about the build-up to my goal, but I managed to wrap my foot around the ball and steer it into the corner. It’s good to know I don’t just score tap-ins!

“I’ve scored goals like that in the past and hopefully I can do so again in the future.”

Nichols was restored to the starting line-up against a weakened Rochdale side as Posh switched to a 4-5-1 formation.