Peterborough United manager disappointed by approach to Carabao Cup tie as Posh bow out in the first round

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson was disappointed with his side’s attitude and approach as they bowed out of the Carabao Cup to League Two Cheltenham Town at the Weston Homes Stadium today (September 5).
Ryan Broom of Peterborough United in action against his former club Cheltenham Town. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Ryan Broom of Peterborough United in action against his former club Cheltenham Town. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Ryan Broom of Peterborough United in action against his former club Cheltenham Town. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

A fine second-half strike from debutant Liam Sercombe won the day for the Robins who were also thankful to a terrific performance from teenage goalkeeper Josh Griffiths,

But Ferguson, who made three substitutions straight after the only goal, admitted Cheltenham deserved to win after a flat display from his own team.

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“Sometimes you have to credit to the opposition,” Ferguson said. “Cheltenham deserved their win, but I was surprised and disappointed by what I saw from us.

“Our approach to the game was all wrong. It was a cup tie and now we’re out. We can’t get it back.

“I don’t know why, but we were well off the pace, particularly in the first-half and Cheltenham took confidence from that and then took advantage.

“They must have had four one-on-ones and that’s too many. We had a lot of shots, but didn’t really manage to play through them.

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“I was making three substitutions regardless of them scoring. I just wanted to liven us up. We were so flat. The players were warned Cheltenham were a well-organised side who play good football and nothing they did surprised me.

“But we lacked intensity and players prepared to do the hard yards needed to win a game of football.

“It’s a disappointing start to the season again, just like last season.”

Posh are likely to make wholesale changes for Tuesday’s (September 8) EFL Trophy game at home to Burton Albion (7pm).