High-class Peterborough United deliver a statement success over Bolton Wanderers

Posh played some lovely football, defended stoutly when required and took their goals well to claim a first win in eight games against these opponents. It was another performance and result to make those in the play-off places sit up and take notice. Posh are up to 10th , four points behind Bolton who now occupy the final play-off position.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan gave Posh a half-time lead before Matt Garbett’s terrific finish capped another outstanding individual display. Crucially Posh responded superbly to a Sam Dalby strike for Bolton midway through the second-half as Kyrell Lisbie restored the two-goal advantage almost immediately.

There were some hairy moments for a while, but Posh weathered them and finished the stronger side. Bolton had been so bamboozled by the quality of opponent they made two 43rd minute subs, another at half-time and yet another early in the second-half, all to no effect.

Posh made one change to their starting line-up with on-loan forward Morgan replacing winger Declan Frith who reverted to the substitutes’ bench where he was joined by rookie striker Pemi Aderoju. Gustav Lindgren and Ben Woods were among the injury absentees.

Bolton made three changes to a team that stuttered to a goalless home draw with Cobblers last time out. Former Posh man Joel Randall was not in the matchday squad.

A wide open game was predicted and a wide open game duly arrived with Bolton carving out two decent chances with right-wing crosses that arrived at the feet of Thierry Gale at the far post. His first shot was weak and headed clear by Peter Kioso. His second attempt was well struck, but sailed well wide.

Posh then took possession of the ball and played some decent stuff without managing to create a clearcut opportunity. Garbett was imposing and stylish in midfield areas, while Morgan found attacking space with ease. Kyrell Lisbie was a menace on the left wing, but when the goal Posh deserved did arrive 10 minutes before the break it was a surprising one, courtesy of some route one football.

Goalkeeper Alex Bass launched a quick clearance kick, Harry Leonard delivered a fine leap to nod it on for Morgan to run clear and strike a hard low shot that visiting goalkeeper Tyler Miller might well have saved.

Bolton wasted a breakaway opportunity at the start of the second-half, but Posh were soon back in control. Khela saw a brilliant half-volley brilliantly saved by Miller on 53 minutes, but a minute later Archie Collins, who was also outstanding, fed Garbett who cut inside before placing a shot into the corner of the net.

There was a response from the visitors who utilised their strong bench and a left wing cross was volleyed home expertly by Dalby, but some neat passing into the Bolton penalty area soon followed with Lisbie sending defenders the wrong way before slotting home, much to the delight of his watching twin, Colchester United forward Kyreece.

Bolton should have pulled a goal back again 16 minutes from time, but Burstow, a striker who hasn’t scored since facing a much different Posh side early in October, placed the ball wide when clean through.

Posh came under pressure for a while, but their own substitutions were effective. Aderoju forced a save from Miller after showing good power and control and Kioso also tested Miller as Posh cruised through seven minutes of added time.

Posh have delivered some statement wins since Luke Williams turned up to transform these players. This, given where Posh now are in the table, might be the boldest of them all.

Posh: Alex Bass, Carl Johnston (sub James Dornelly, 90 + 2 mins), Tom Lees, Tom O’Connor, Peter Kioso, Brandon Khela (sub Donay O’Brien-Brady, 71 mins)., Archie Collins, Kyrell Lisbie (sub Declan Frith, 82 mins), Matt Garbett (sub Cian Hayes, 90+ 2 mins), Jimmy-Jay Morgan (sub Pemi Aderoju, 82 mins), Harry Leonard.

Subs: Nick Bilokapic, George Nevett.

Bolton: Tyler Miller, Jordi Osei Tutu, Eoin Toal, George Johnston, Max Conway, Ethan Erhahon (sub Xavier Simons, 46 mins), Josh Sheehan (sub Cyrus Christie 44 mis), Amario Cozier-Duberry (sub Marcus Forss, 58 mins), Kyle Dempsey (sub Aaron Morley, 69 mins), Thierry Gale (sub Sam Dalby, 44 mins), Mason Burstow.

Unused subs: Nathan Broome, Chris Forino.

GOALS: Posh – Morgan (35 mins), Garbett (54 mins), Lisbie (67 mins).

Bolton – Dalby (65 mins).

CAUTIONS: Posh – Kioso (delaying the re-start), Hayes (delaying the re-start).

REFEREE: Oliver Yates 7.

ATTENDANCE: 7,834 (1,005 Bolton),