Posh’s League One games at Gillingham today (Boxing Day) and at home to Charlton (December 29) were postponed along with the home game against Ipswich (December 19) because of a Covid outbreak in the camp.
But Posh fans approach the holiday games with trepidation every year anyway, and no wonder.
In the last seven seasons, since relegation from the Championship, Posh have played 20 matches over the Christmas and New Year period and won just four of them. They’ve lost 11 and drawn five.
They are due to return to League One action at home to in-form Doncaster on Saturday, January 2.
1.
2019-20; v Doncaster (home, lost 0-3), Rotherham (away, lost 0-4). v Lincoln (away, lost 1-2). Last season Posh were thumped 3-0 at home by bogey team Doncaster on Boxing Day with their regular tormentor Kieran Sadlier scoring twice. Posh moved on to Rotherham three days later and a makeshift side - Marcus Maddison didn’t travel as he felt poorly - were thumped 4-0. Frankie Kent was sent off after collecting two yellow cards in a three second-half minutes. Things were looking up at Lincoln on New Year’s Day when Ivan Toney’s terrific goal gave Posh a lead they held comfortably until substitute Siriki Dembele was dismissed two minutes after coming on for an act of violent conduct. The Imps equalised with a deflected shot and claimed a last-gasp winner from Jorge Grant’s brilliant free-kick. A furious George Boyd is pictured after a brilliant fourth goal from Rotherham's ex-Posh striker Kyle Vassell. Photo: Midlands
2.
Action from last season's 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at home to Doncaster involving George Boyd (left) and Kieran Sadlier. Photo: Midlands
3.
2018-19: v Barnsley (away, lost 0-2), v Accrington (away, won 4-0) v Scunthorpe (home, lost 0-2). Promotion-bound Barnsley were too strong on Boxing Day, although Posh were hampered by some eccentric refereeing from Carl Boyeson. Ivan Toney’s hat-trick at Accrington delivered some rare Christmas joy for Steve Evans’ side, but they promptly played appallingly and lost at home to struggling Scunthorpe a few days later. One of the Scunthorpe goals is pictured. Photo: Midlands
4.
Marcus Maddison in action for Posh at Barnsley on Boxing Day, 2018. Photo: Midlands