Peterborough United boss shows massive respect for his side after they proved they can cope with extreme pressure
Peterborough United boss Luke Williams insisted he had so much respect for his side’s performance after they came out victorious despite coming under the most pressure they have faced during his tenure.
Posh were 1-0 victors over League One’s bottom side Port Vale on Saturday, but had to survive long periods of pressure from their hosts at Vale Park, especially in the opening half an hour, before starting to work their way into the game and create chances of their own.
Top scorer Harry Leonard broke the deadlock and secured Posh a third consecutive victory with seven minutes to play. The win moved Posh up to 16th place, still just two points above the bottom four, but only three points behind Wycombe in ninth.
Williams was full of praise for Port Vale’s performance and saluted the way his side held up to the pressure they were put under before hitting back.
Williams said: “It was so tough. That is the most sustained pressure we have been under since I’ve been here. Port Vale were excellent, but we stood up to that and found a way into the game then ultimately got the goal.
“I am so happy because you can’t win when being half a team and only turning up when things suit you. This is such a tough place to play, it’s a huge pitch and you can’t keep these pitches in top condition in the winter months. They went man for man, they were aggressive; I love the way they play and they caused us all sorts of problems.
“For us to weather that and find a way into the game, I am ever so pleased. We got a foothold in the game and probably just about deserved it for the chances we created.
“Harry is a goalscorer, that’s what he does and he has the instinct and character you need. We just need to keep supplying him. He goes through one-on-one and the keeper makes a brilliant save, but what makes him superb is that he’s not put off by that and wants another chance. That’s what he did and he got us another win.
“Gustav Lindgren’s impact from the bench was brilliant, he was so assertive with the run and the ball for the goal and Kyrell LIsbie was able to jink into the box and make a great decision. He left the ball just right for Harry.
“Trust is earned, not given and we’re getting to know each other, hopefully the players can start to trust me if I’m consistent with them and vica versa. This was a really good statement from them, a clean sheet under so much pressure and such a tough game and they found a way to win it. I have so much respect for that.
“I’m so proud of them. It’s a big squad, there are guys that we’ve left at home who are fantastic and have trained so well. I am so grateful to them. Without them helping the squad to prepare in the right way, we can’t expect to win three games on the bounce. They are as important as the guys out on the pitch. They train so hard everyday and sometimes they don’t make the squad and it is devastating for them, but they understand that they are professionals and are part of a group.”
Posh are back in action in six days time when they host Leyton Orient on Boxing Day. Orient moved into the top half on Saturday with a 2-1 home win over Bradford.