Peterborough United open their pre-season campaign up with a 1-0 victory over Barnet.
Pre-season is all about getting fit and prepared for the first league match of the season and this being the first pre-season match was more about blowing the cobwebs away and loosening the legs up.
Posh gave all their squad a run out with everyone getting 45 minutes apart from Jack Payne, Tom Conlon and Ricardo Santos who each had 30 minutes.
Posh started the match with two out of the three signings made so far in midget-gem Erhun Oztumer [pictured below] and the returning Gaby Zakuani.
Ozzy made a number of good runs and appears to be an exciting prospect but it appears Zakuani is the same old Zak which annoyed Darren Ferguson as both Zakuani and goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik were wasteful in their possession.
If Ozzy was impressive in the first half, Jon Taylor impressed in the second and was instrumental in the goal as he beat a number of players before putting in Kgosi NTLHE who rode a couple of challenges before poking the ball into the back of the net.
Teenager Jermaine Anderson also impressed as he played in central midfield and who could be challenging for a starting position come the start of the season if he continues the form he showed today.
Adam Drury made his first appearance in a Posh shirt since his arrival from Manchester City but Posh will continue to cast their eye over the player for the remainder of the month before deciding whether to take him on a season long loan. “Adam has been with us for a couple of weeks and we will take a closer look at him in Portugal,” said Darren Ferguson.
It was a comfortable work out although the hosts did hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions in the first half. Tougher matches lay ahead for the squad as they prepare for the challenge of gaining promotion to the Championship.
Darren Ferguson was pleased with the first run out of pre-season as he commented after the match: “In the first pre-season game, you want to come away with no injuries and you want the players to take on board what we have been doing in training and I was pleased with the workout.
“There are a few things to work on, but that is going to be the case in the first game. There were some pleasing performances, I thought the new lads did well. Erhun Oztumer wanted to get on the ball and looked lively, he tired towards the end of the 45 minutes, but you are going to expect that given where he has come from.
“Jon Taylor [pictured above] is quick and direct and he is going to be a good signing for us. We created some good chances in the second period and it is always pleasing to keep a clean sheet.”
Posh now head off to Portugal for 5 days and are expected to play a match while they are over there before returning for their next pre-season match at Bishop`s Stortford where a Posh XI will take to the field.
The following Tuesday will see Posh play their first home pre-season match when last seasons League One Champions Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with former Posh captain Tommy Rowe, turn up at London Road.
UP THE POSH
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Photo courtesy of www.theposhpics.com
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