POSH PLAYER VERDICTS: Magic Marcus was the only bright spark for Peterborough United

Only Marcus Maddison emerged from last night’s (February 23) 2-1 home defeat at the hands of lowly Oldham with any credit.

Ben Alnwick: A mixed bag that included a couple of decent saves, the odd flap at a cross and a couple of spills, one of which ultimately cost Posh the game 5

Michael Smith: He’s lost his form completely. Shaky defensively and out of sorts going forward. His marking was poor and his decision-making when attacking was woeful 5

Kgosi Ntlhe: A disastrous start on his return to the starting line-up when his dreadful control gave Oldham an early goal. His defensive play was suspect all night, but he did enjoy the odd promising moment going forward. His attitude looks very casual and his man-of-the-match award from the sponsors was presumably an ironic statement 5

Gaby Zakuani: Bullied off too many balls by two burly strikers. His commitment was strong, but he is far from the force of old right now 5

Jack Baldwin: Another defender to struggle physically against powerful opponents and some of his passing from the back was dreadful 5

Harry Beautyman: Employed in Chris Forrester’s role at the base of the diamond. Put a hard-working shift in, but he lacks Forrester’s composure and quality on the ball, He also lacks the speed to recover when losing possession 5

Jon Taylor: A tired display which ended in an inevitable substitution midway through the second half 5

Erhun Oztumer: Buzzed around for 90 minites, but his passing accuracy was non-existent and his creativity was also absent 5

Marcus Maddison: The sole attacking threat, particularly in the first-half when his direct running and high skill level caused Oldham many problems. Showed a good attitude throughout and was the real Posh man-of-the-match. Might well get credited with the Posh goal eventually as his strike appeared to cross the line before Coulibaly pounced 7

Lee Angol: His physical strength led to a couple of good Posh moments before the break, but he was a passenger for most of the second-half before he was taken off 5

Souleymane Coulibaly: The usual energetic effort, but so much of it is misplaced. Did well to follow up and score the Posh goal, his first since November and third against Oldham this season 5.

Substitutes:

Shaquile Coulthirst: (for Coulibaly, 69 mins)

Martin Samuelsen: (for Taylor, 69 mins)

Aaron Williams: (for Angol, 76 mins)

Dion-Curtis Henry: (not used).

Andrew Fox: (not used).

Jordan Nicholson: (not used).

Tom Nichols: (not used).