Peterborough United suffered their 14th League defeat of the season when going down 2-0 at Charlton Athletic, but their performance really deserved three points!
Charlton Athletic 2 – 0 Peterborough United
Location: The Valley
Date: 27th November, 2012
Attendance: 17,377 (518 Posh fans)
After a very disappointing performance at the weekend against Ipswich Town, Posh showed everyone how well they could play. The only downside is that they haven`t got an end product which is costing Posh dearly this season.
The first half was a very even affair with both sides creating numerous chances as the play went from end to end. However, it was the second half that Posh upped the tempo and for 30 minutes were the dominant force.
Charlton couldn`t deal with some exquisite play from Posh as the movement by most of the midfielders were a joy to watch. Countless efforts went high or wide though and it was a sucker punch from former Premiership player Ricardo Fuller, who blasted an excellent shot from 30 yards, turned this match in Charltons direction.
From that point on, you just knew that Posh were destined to head back up the A1 without any points again.
Darren Ferguson did make one change soon afterwards in an attempt to get back into the game, but that just let Charlton in for a second goal. Defender Shaun Brisley was the man taken off to be replaced by midfielder Danny Swanson [pictured below].
Brisley is a key component of the Posh back three as he always seems to be in the right place to clear the ball, even if he doesn`t know where the ball is going! With Posh reverting to a back four, which we have seen time after time that we can`t defend with a back four, Charlton swung the ball in to where Brisley had been all match, but who was now sat on the bench watching, as Kermorgant swept the ball home from what looked like an off-side position!
Despite all the promising moves it was now game over for Posh!
Everyone connected with Posh will be disappointed with the end result, but it was a performance that many can be proud of and one which can be built upon and must be built upon if we are to drag ourselves out of trouble.
New loanee George Thorne [pictured below with Grant McCann] has settled quickly into the Posh side and there are signs of a very promising partnership forming with Grant McCann.
Forward Dwight Gayle made his first start since signing on loan from Dagenham and Redbridge and he ran his socks off. Stepping up two divisions is hard enough but when you`re the loan striker, it makes it that much harder. Hopefully Berahino will recover from his injury quickly and form a fruitful partnership that will blast Posh up the League.
Unfortunately Saido Berahino won`t be fit in time for the next match on Saturday while current captain Michael Bostwick will be missing having picked up his fifth booking of the season.
DON’T FORGET YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOUR MAN OF THE MATCH. You can cast your vote on the right hand side of the page. The result will be announced on Saturday [1st December, 2012].
UP THE POSH!
Follow me on Twitter: @mwl1967
Photos courtesy of www.theposhpics.com.
