Posh derby day hero is confident his team will stand up to a physical examination from a Steve Evans side

Derby day matchwinner Sammie Szmodics insists opponents are mistaken if they believe they can overpower Posh at the Weston Hommes Stadium.
By Alan Swann
Published 19th Apr 2021, 06:00 BST
Sammie Szmodics celebrates his first Posh goal against Northampton Town with Dan Butler. Photo: David Lowndes.Sammie Szmodics celebrates his first Posh goal against Northampton Town with Dan Butler. Photo: David Lowndes.
Sammie Szmodics celebrates his first Posh goal against Northampton Town with Dan Butler. Photo: David Lowndes.

Szmodics scored twice - his fifth double of the season - as Posh emerged from one tough test with a 3-1 home win over Northampton Town on Friday night, but they go straight into another physical examination from long-ball, long throw specialists Gillingham at London Road tomorrow (April 20, 7.45pm).

Steve Evans the former Posh bos now in charge at Gillingham, conceded his own side’s hopes of a play-off place disappeared on Saturday evening when they lost 3-2 at Oxford after leading 2-0 wit 15 minutes to go.

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Szmodics, who reached his personal goals target for the season of 15 agaonst Cobblers, said: “It was a good win (against Cobblers), but we are not getting ahead of ourselves. We have 15 points to play for. Every game in this league is tough. We know Tuesday night against Gillingham will be a tough test.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images.Gillingham manager Steve Evans. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images.

“At this stage of the season every team you face will provide a test because they have something to fight for. I expect the game with Gillingham to be no different. It will be a physical test. Teams think they can come and beat us with strength and power, but we are standing up to that.

“At the start of the season, my target was to score 15 goals and I have reached that mark in all competitions with five to play. I probably won’t ever score a hat-trick, but two and a win is fine by me. I just want to do my best for the team and see where it takes us.

“I would be lying if I said that the league table looks nice as it stands, but there are still 15 points to play for and we can’t look any further forward than the next game and that is where our focus is.”

Posh need a maximum of nine points to be certain of promotion to the Championship.

Related topics:Sammie SzmodicsSteve EvansGillingham