Posh deliver the perfect pick-me-up with a performance against Crewe Darren Ferguson described as ‘brilliant’ and ‘fantastic’

Peterborough United delivered the perfect pick-me-up at the end of a rough week as goals from Sammie Szmodics and Jonson Clarke-Harris secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Crewe Alexandra at the Weston Homes Stadium today (February 6).
Dan Butler of Peterborough United takes on Luke Murphy of Crewe Alexandra, Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Dan Butler of Peterborough United takes on Luke Murphy of Crewe Alexandra, Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Dan Butler of Peterborough United takes on Luke Murphy of Crewe Alexandra, Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh moved up a place to fourth after inflicting just a second defeat in 16 competitive games on the Railwayman and manager Darren Ferguson was understandably delighted.

Posh had lost their two previous matches at Shrewsbury and at Tranmere, but there really is no place like home for Ferguson’s side. They’ve won nine and lost just one of their 12 League One games at London Road.

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“I’m sure no fan could complain about the effort and commitment the players put in,” Ferguson enthused. “They were fantastic. We needed a big performance and they delivered one. We were aggressive and the gameplan to press them high up the pitch to stop them passing out worked a treat.

Jonson Clarke-Harris celebrates his goal against Crewe. Photo: David Lowndes.Jonson Clarke-Harris celebrates his goal against Crewe. Photo: David Lowndes.
Jonson Clarke-Harris celebrates his goal against Crewe. Photo: David Lowndes.

“We look so much stronger when we do that, but we also played some really good football. There are complaints about the pitch, but it’s not doing us any harm at all.

“We started quite slowly, but once we plugged the gaps they like to use were were very good. We delivered two clinical moves and finishes and the only disappointment was not scoring more goals because we had the chances. If we had scored a third goal we could well have gone on and scored more.

“But it’s another great home result with another clean sheet. We have been terrific at home for two seasons now, but we mustn’t slow down. We have to keep going.

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“There were some outstanding individual displays. The front three were involved in both goals which pleased me and Sammie Szmodics was outstanding throughout.

Nathan Thompson of Peterborough United in action with Mikael Mandron and Ryan Wintle of Crewe Alexandra. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Nathan Thompson of Peterborough United in action with Mikael Mandron and Ryan Wintle of Crewe Alexandra. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Nathan Thompson of Peterborough United in action with Mikael Mandron and Ryan Wintle of Crewe Alexandra. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Dan Butler really set the tempo for us. He loves to get right up and press and he did it brilliantly. Mark Beevers was also brilliant behind him.

“And the attitude of the substitutes was spot on. Mo Eisa did really well, Nial Mason was excellent and Ethan Hamilton and Idris Kanu gave us good legs.”

Posh host Ipswich Town on Tuesday (February 9, 7pm).

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