MATCH REACTION: McCann thinks Peterborough United have turned an important corner

Peterborough United manager Grant McCann believes today's (December 17) 3-2 win at Fleetwood will be a turning point in his side's League One season.
Posh boss Grant McCann celebrates a dramatic late win at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh boss Grant McCann celebrates a dramatic late win at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh boss Grant McCann celebrates a dramatic late win at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Top scorer Jack Marriott and early substitute Danny Lloyd scored in the final three minutes to seal an unlikely three points for Posh who had fallen behind for the second time in the game seven minutes from the end. Michael Doughty had claimed his second goal in two games to cancel out a first-half Fleetwood goal.

The first League One away win since the 4-1 romp at Northampton in August has moved Posh up two places to eighth and to within three points of the play-off places.

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Marcus Maddison set up all three Posh goals. His stunning pass to Marriott for his goal was a moment of outrageous skill, capped by a terrific finish.

Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

It wasn’t all good news though as key man Gwion Edwards suffered suspected ankle tendon damage early in the game and could face a long spell on the sidelines.

“I sense this could be a massive turning point for us,” McCann stated. “The boys showed tremendous character in the second half. They refused to accept defeat and they got their rewards with two late goals.

“We were too comfortable in the first-half. We had a lot of possession without threatening to punish them, but falling behind made us angry.

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“No disrespect to Fleetwood, but I told the lads at half time that to be serious about winning promotion we have to win at places like Fleetwood. They are a good side, but we have our own aspirations to take care of.

Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards receives treatment at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards receives treatment at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards receives treatment at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“And the players reacted magnificently. We scored a couple of great goals and were alert enough to take advantage of a mistake at the end to win the game.

“Our second goal was simply sensational. The pass from Marcus Maddison was out of this world and the touch and finish by Jack Marriott was outstanding.

“And I was pleased for Danny Lloyd to grab the winner in front of many members of his family. He gave us great energy and enabled us to win the game even though we lost Gwion Edwards to injury in the early stages. Danny gambles. He scored a similar goal at Tranmere after following in a free kick from Marcus.

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“Gwion’s injury looks like a nasty one, but it’s a chance for Danny Lloyd and he looks ready to take it.

Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh star Marcus Maddison on the ball at Fleetwood. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“The character we showed throughout was top drawer. The boys dug deep and I couldn’t be more pleased with them. We deserved to win.

“Our aim is to win all these five games before the FA Cup tie. It will be tough, but we are actually in decent form.

“We’ve won three and lost one of our last six matches. That’s decent form and people should mention that more often then dragging some of the other more negative statistics up.”

Posh host bottom club Bury in their next League One outing on Saturday (December 23).