MATCH REACTION: There will no panic at Peterborough United

It's four League One matches without a win for Peterborough United, but manager Grant McCann won't be pressing the panic button any time soon.
Paul Taylor of Posh battles with Walsall's Jason McCarthy. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Paul Taylor of Posh battles with Walsall's Jason McCarthy. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Paul Taylor of Posh battles with Walsall's Jason McCarthy. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh were held to a 1-1 draw by Walsall at the ABAX Stadium today (September 24) and dropped down a place to 10th. Posh have now drawn their last three home matches in League One.

But McCann insists his side are not far away from displaying top six form. He blamed another poor start and then an outstanding goalkeeping display from Walsall’s Neil Etheridge for the failure to bank all three points today.

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Walsall took the lead with a 16th-minute header from Simeon Jackson, but Marcus Maddison equalised 11 minutes later with a brilliant strike.

Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We will always create chances and we are working non-stop to improve our ruthlessness in front of goal,” McCann stated. “We started the game slowly again and conceded another goal because we didn’t work hard enough at stopping a cross and their striker got in front of our centre back.

“But the reaction was good. Marcus scored a terrific equaliser and we went to be the better side. Half-time came at the wrong time for us as we were well on top, but we also started the second-half well and we would have won, but for some top goalkeeping.

“Walsall have one of the best goalkeepers in the league and he made three or four excellent saves. But for him we would have got the win we deserved.

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“We know we need to win our home matches, but we are not far away from being where we want to be. I’d be far more worried if we weren’t creating any chances.

Outstanding Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge beats Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards to the ball. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Outstanding Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge beats Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards to the ball. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Outstanding Walsall goalkeeper Neil Etheridge beats Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards to the ball. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We now have two away games and if we win them both we could well find ourselves in the top six. This league is so tight this season. No-one has been able to get on a run and get away from the rest.”

Posh are at Shrewsbury on Tuesday (September 27) and Southend next Saturday (October 1) - both sides are currently in the botom four - and McCann could be tempted to use more of his squad.

He fielded Paul Taylor further forward today and re-introduced Gwion Edwards in midfield in place of Leo Da Silva Lopes.

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Centre-back Ryan Tafazolli started his first League One match since the opening day of the season, while 17 year-old centre forward Deon Moore and on-loan winger Nathan Oduwa were introduced from the substitutes’ bench.

Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Posh striker Tom Nichols in an ariel duel with two Walsall defenders. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

McCann added: “Paul Taylor did well. He did get tired and I had the substitution ready just as he made a great cross from which Tom Nichols almost scored. I probably should have left Paul on for a bit longer, although Deon did okay when he came on.

“I was pleased with Ryan Tafazolli. I wanted to go with two out and out defenders today and it worked out well. It was harsh on Jack, but Ryan is a great communicator and I felt the back four defended well.”