Peterborough United are in great form, but manager Darren Ferguson believes they are capable of playing much better

Peterborough United are fourth in League One, they’ve won three League One matches in a row and kept back-to-back clean sheets - and still manager Darren Ferguson believes there is much more to come from his side.
Siriki Dembele of Peterborough United celebrates scoring his goal against Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Siriki Dembele of Peterborough United celebrates scoring his goal against Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Siriki Dembele of Peterborough United celebrates scoring his goal against Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Well-taken goals from Joe Ward and Siriki Dembele secured today’s (October 17) 2-0 win over rock-bottom Oxford United at the Weston Homes Stadium, but Posh had to defend well and goalkeeper Christy Pym had to play well before an eighth straight Football League win at home was confirmed.

“It’s a very important win and a very good win,” Ferguson enthused. “We prepared for a tough game against a very good team and that’s what we got. Oxford are a good side regardless of where they are in the league so we knew we would have to defend well.

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“We were the better team in the first-half, but they came out very aggressively in the second-half and they were a massive threat, especially from set-pieces.

Peterborough United Manager Darren Ferguson (left) talks with Oxford United manager Karl Robinson before the match. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Peterborough United Manager Darren Ferguson (left) talks with Oxford United manager Karl Robinson before the match. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Peterborough United Manager Darren Ferguson (left) talks with Oxford United manager Karl Robinson before the match. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We also caused our own problems as we stopped passing the ball well, but the second goal was vital. It came at a perfect time for us as they were well on top at the time. After that we were more comfortable and could have scored more goals.

“There was a lot to enjoy about the performance, but there is also a lot for us to work on. We are nowhere near the standards we are capable of reaching, but the most important thing for any game is to win it. We can pick the bones out of it later.

“For instance we can’t keep relying on Christy Pym to make great saves at key moments. Christy has started the season in great form, but he’s keeping us level in games too often.

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“Having said that some of the defending was strong in the second half when the desire of the centre-backs to get their heads on the ball was impressive.

“The mentality of the squad is very impressive though. It’s another clean sheet and we scored two great goals with a composed finish from Joe and an excellent strike by Siriki after a good pass from Joe.

“It was a very technical game and I always felt the team who passed the ball better would dominate. That was us in the first-half and them at the start of the second-half.

“It’s now two tough away games and a lot of travelling, but we will travel in good form.”

Posh are at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday (October 20) and then at second-placed Hull City next Saturday (October 24).