United made several changes but still were able to win relatively comfortably with home keeper Mark Howard barely making a save all night. Two excellent goals courtesy of loanee Ben Davies from a free kick and then Chris Porter with his now customary goal when he comes on from the bench won it. United were solid throughout and played neat stuff with it but perhaps even more so were organised and resolute without the ball and showed why they have kept so many clean sheets.
Manager Clough made more changes than even many home fans would have imagined as six went out. Some were forced with Murphy and Brayford deemed not fit but also out (rested) were Scougall, Harris, Baxter and Flynn. In came Paynter, Miller, McGinn and more surprisingly Kennedy and the previously out of favour McFadzean.
Peterborough had been scratching around for form and also changed things around with leading scorer Britt Assombalonga surprisingly left out and Connor Washington brought in for his first start.
The game began with Davies at right back and Kennedy alongside Collins. Paynter was up top on his own flanked by McFadzean and Miller although in the early stages these two did keep switching sides. Miller had one half chance but miskicked whilst the busy Coady nearly fed Paynter. At the other end ‘Boro had a spell but the best they could muster was a McQuoid chance that was off target. United had been the more likely in the early stages and Miller’s cross shot after good work from Coady was somehow hacked over his own bar from Little when it easily could have gone into his own goal.
McFadzean had an effort deflected narrowly wide as United looked to turn the screw but soon the young winger was departing. It was after only 20 minutes when he was taken off and replayed by Flynn. It seemed to be a change by choice/tactics rather than injury but it was not totally clear and the young winger did not seem happy as his brief return to the side did not last long.
The better football was being played by the home side with Coady and Doyle controlling midfield. A few neat moves almost saw Miller in but soon after they were very unfortunate not to in front.
McGinn hit a low raking shot that beat the keeper but hit the post and when it came out Paynter could not convert hitting it straight at the keeper although it was unclear whether he would have been ruled offside if he had converted. Miller then fired over after a run following more good work from Coady.
United had the better chances and had been the more likely but the half ended without a goal.
The second half saw United make their superiority pay instantly as they won a free kick after Miller was baulked. DAVIES grabbed the ball and walked over and after the wall was taken further back; the Derby loanee ran up and hit an absolute beauty as his curled effort went in with pace and precision leaving Olejnik motionless. It was a tremendous free kick.
After the goal United had a spell where they sat back for a period but they kept a good shape and barely a chance came from Posh. Indeed Paynter’s good control and pull back saw a chance for McGinn but he shot over.
McGinn had been struggling and was hobbling for a few minutes before he was replaced by Scougall. The signing from Livingston was straight into the game as his all action play was shown as he went on a run from half way before being blocked out.
Peterborough won a number of corners in quick succession but none of them really came to anything and Ferguson shuffled his pack and made a double change with
Assombalonga and Bostwick coming on and Newell soon after also came on.
A gut busting run from Flynn nearly led to a chance as it fell to Miller who was just blocked out after patiently taking his time to bring down and it led to a United corner.
Porter was brought on for the home side for Paynter and was soon flicking the ball on but Flynn could not quite get on the end of things.
The pattern of the game was the visitors having the ball but doing little with it as United’s defence commanded well by Collins and the quietly effective Kennedy restricted them completely. In front of them Doyle was also having a very good game and with Coady energetic and enterprising on the ball, United were still good value despite conceding territory.
The minutes ticked away but despite more corners coming; no chances came and United were actually looking just as dangerous on the break and so it proved.
Coady’s performance had been high quality throughout and his performance was punctuated when he made another run forward and a delightful through ball that put PORTER in the clear. The striker was in on goal and clinically drilled it past Olejnik to effectively seal the game in front of the delighted Kop.
The visitors finally had a chance right at the end; just before the four minutes of stoppage time; as they got in down the left hand channel as Newell drilled just wide.
United – Another solid and well organised performance. We were the better side and deserved the win. We probably had less of the ball than them, had less corners and overall sat and played a disciplined shape for long spells. However for all this we had better chances, played neater football and looked more incisive in the final third. We hit the post, had 2 or 3 other efforts deflect just wide and scored two very good goals.
That with a much changed side and players brought in that have barely played. The game plan worked perfectly as Clough seems to have United playing and set up a certain way that is making it incredibly hard to score goals against us (the clean sheets we are keeping is testament to that – 1 goal conceded in 7 games and 4 straight clean sheets).
We are restricting teams to many chances (at least clear ones) and just keep solid lines making teams frustrated so they inevitably just give the ball away or become impatient.
When we had it we did well and whilst we still lacked cutting edge up top, excellent play from likes of Doyle, Coady, Flynn and latterly Scougall made sure we still played neat triangles and some quick and quite incisive stuff. First half we had the better chances and could have been winning at half time. Second half we got in front thanks to a cracker from Davies and then even though we had a spell of sitting back and they had a lot of the ball, we kept our discipline and made sure we did not go chasing and only won it when we could. When we got it we made others covered for anyone that went for the tackle or tried to intercept. They hunted in packs at times and made sure they all helped each other. The pattern of play with and without the ball means others that come in know what is expected. Add in a better fitness level (never felt we were that fatigued tonight and finished stronger than them!) and we are becoming tough to beat. Long may it continue.
We clearly need a few more better players in the long run to add to the new found shape and system (and you can still see weak links particularly up top for me) but we have some players doing really well and we are getting there and Clough clearly knows what he is doing. Just a shame we started the season so badly as despite many thinking we have a chance; we would have to go on another run like this one before the end of the season to make up the gap for me. Peterborough were poor but will still win a fair few games between now and the end of the season. It is annoying when you see how poor the 6th team was made to look though tonight and we may just run out of games.
Also, we do have some tough games to come; particularly at the Lane but we have nothing to fear. Now at least whatever happens with regards small chance of top 6; we should be safe (closer to top 6 on points than the bottom 4) and can now forget the league for a week and really have a go on Sunday. Hopefully Maguire and Murphy will be fit and with Harris and Baxter back along with Scougall and Flynn starting. Not sure about Brayford as not sure he will be ready – maybe a few weeks from what I have heard and will be a big loss but today proved even with players coming in, we are full of confidence and can have a real go at Charlton.
Peterboro – Have to say they were really poor and looked totally out of sorts. They clearly are a side that have not been on a great run in recent times (after leading the league earlier in the season). They came here after a defeat at the weekend and cannot argue with the defeat tonight. They had a lot of the ball (United let them have it as they defended in two banks of players and made them try and come through us) but did nothing with it. The stats show one shot on target (I cannot remember it) and other than a late chance when they screwed wide (at 2-0 mind in stoppage time) cannot recall them really getting behind us wide or through the middle. It looks like they had a lot more chances to score but the 14 corners really came from numerous deflections or clearances and not from saves or crosses put behind. From the corners they never really looked like scoring and floated many into Howard’s hands.
They changed side a bit like us and thankfully left the dangerous Assombalonga out which pleased me (he at least had a few half hearted efforts when he came in) and gave the lad Washington a full debut (signed from Newport where he had scored a fair few goals) but he was anonymous. McQuoid also had done well at Bournemouth but was never in the game and the lovely Ajose never troubled either. The experienced McCann was snuffed out by Doyle and did not really create anything and out wide. I cannot recall one player who was a real threat. At the back they caused problems by poor touches or trying ridiculous switched cross field balls that kept either finding us or finding touch. They never really looked confident when they hit the last third and when we attacked and played some decent football we looked like we could get behind them.
They still had more first teamers in than us and will be disappointed to barely test the keeper all night against a United side that made 6 changes (not all enforced) and clearly had an eye on Sunday.
They had a good spell of play in the second half after we scored but then they never really did anything despite having more of the ball and keeping it a little better. They won corners but nothing happened and never really committed that many men forward even when they were losing. Of course the second goal did come on the break a bit but they had never really properly gone for it so it was kind of their own fault for the lack of adventure.
I thought they were a side who would go up as were unfortunate to come down last season with almost the last kick and had a decent spine and even though they lost Gayle and a few others they have recruited well with Assombalonga and a few other lower league gems and Ferguson has always done a good job with them. However they have fell away a bit and lost quite a few to teams they should be beating. They have a JPT final but of course failure to go up (they have been a bit yo-yo but that is fine for them in some ways) and they could be stuck down here for a while, like us. They should hang onto the playoffs as teams below are hardly going on runs (Walsall, MK Dons etc) unless another team can make a remarkable run and over take them but I would not put much money on them against the other 3 in the playoffs having seen them tonight but then they have been there and done it before (few years ago v Huddersfield) so I suppose anything can happen in the playoffs.
Howard 7.5/10 – His mark may seem high for someone relatively untroubled – did he have a shot to save all game? However, I felt he was excellent in most other parts of his game (save for his not so good distribution – a few errant throw outs and kicks). He caught crosses, commanded and looked assured in all of his handling. He was quick off his line, took numerous corners and commanded his area. Really played well since he came back in.
Davies 7.5/10 – Defensively he was really steady and cannot remember his man getting past him much. He just did his job. However he will be remembered most for a wonderful free kick that was Beattie-esque. He bent a free kick from 25 yards from the right of the centre and into the corner. The keeper did not move. It was a wonderful set piece.
Hill 6.5/10 – He had a bit of a mare first half as he continually tried to dribble round his man for some odd reason. Kept losing it too! He did get better as the game went on and had a better second half making some good interceptions and blocks as the whole defence kept solid throughout.
Collins 7.5/10 – Thought he was excellent for the most part. Lost out once on one battle to Assombalonga but overall won header after header and led defence with a fairly inexperienced parner alongside him. He has played really well in recent weeks and got back to standards of a few seasons ago (when we just lost out on promotion).
Kennedy 8/10 – Did well and certainly did not let us down. He had a few moments where he put out for corners early on (maybe got in wrong position) but got better as the game went on and by the end you could see him growing. He won headers and generally got stuck in, got in front of his man when he could and helped us restrict them to very few if any efforts on goal.
Coady 8.5/10 – Getting better and better. Seems fitter, stronger and more sure of everything he does. Making wise and quick decisions with the ball and using it well both short and long. Showing good control, composure and touch and incredible fitness. Everything we did well came through him and he was involved in many of our better attacks and then finally set up the second with a lung bursting run and through ball to Porter.
Doyle 8/10 – Coady may get the headlines for his eye catching work on the ball but I felt Doyle was just as good in many ways both on and off the ball. He won so many loose balls and tackles but also he used it really well and acted as a shield in front of the back four so others could do work in front of him. Gets a lot of stick but was good tonight.
McFadzean – Odd one really as he we not great but not awful. He did miss out on two chances of runs down the left getting crowded out but had one decent shot deflected just wide. He did not seem injured (maybe he was but could not see anything?) when he was taken off after less than half an hour and seemed to exchange words with the management as he went off and down the tunnel. The substitution seemed out of the blue but it was odd him being recalled after not even been on the bench recently? Only thing I can think of is that he did follow some instructions (chasing back/watching a runner) and shows Clough maybe won’t tolerate those who don’t follow the plan? If he was injured (then of course above may be speculation from me).
McGinn 7/10 – He was alright with a few neat and tidy turns and efforts including one good one that hit the post and was really unlucky. He gave it away a few times but he also was able to help us move the ball on and was quite advanced for him in a number of attacks. Came off after he seemed to pick up an injury – not sure how bad it was but he was limping a bit before he did get substituted. One concern with him is that he rarely completes 90 minutes due to injury, fitness, poor form. Has he played many full games (stattos out there)?
Miller 6.5/10 – Played wide most of the night, firstly left and then right and moved about quite a bit (due to Clough’s orders I guess). At times he did a few ok things (won free kick for the goal) and had a few efforts when he got in good areas but overall sadly he was slow to react to things and wanted way too much time to make decisions or do things with the ball. I felt he had a chance tonight to impress and whilst he did some decent things for the team I think he will know he could do better. Even at the end defensively he switched off a few times and nearly led to them getting in. Not sure he will ever get back to that flurry of form we saw (maybe it is the injury but he has been back in first team action now for 6 months) and not sure he will be retained at the end of the season.
Paynter 6/10 – Sadly was not that impressed. First half in particular he seemed to lumber around without doing much. He was ok when it came to him but did not seem that involved and did not exactly bust a gut to close players down when they had it (maybe he was under orders not to press?). He did not win that many headers and just looked off the pace. Second half he did a few decent things including one lay off into Coady I think and another neat piece of control and pass but it was not long before he went off.
Subs-
Flynn 7/10 – Came on and did a good job. Worked back defensively and then also showed some good runs going forward. One particular run second half saw him get to the ball and then go fully 40-50 yards beating a few men just on desire. His cross nearly led to a goal. His play sums up the turn around in recent weeks. Clough probably would have wanted a bit longer for him to be rested than 20 mins (played 70 ish!)!
Scougall – Impressive cameo. Good he had a bit of a rest but when he came on was right at it involved running at men, getting into little pockets of space and showing his neat and tidy play on the ball. Love to watch him play.
Porter – Came on and won a few flick ons and looked more dangerous than Paynter. He did fire a few odd balls to players that had little chance of keeping possession but overall he linked ok and then of course scored Strange he was going short for corners with over 4 minutes to go near the end as he was the tallest man we had but then soon after he got on the end of Coady’s through ball and finished really coolly one on one. Another player who seems far more confident now even if he is on the bench a lot of the time.
Manager rating –
Clough 8/10 – The team selection of course raised some eye brows. We did not expect to see Brayford or Murphy and Maguire was 50/50 (knock and more so maybe yellow card) but to see Scougall, Flynn, Harris and Baxter drop out was even more of a surprise and starts for those not been involved much in Miller, Kennedy and McFadzean. Kennedy did well and whilst the others less so; everyone contributed to a ‘team’ performance as we kept our shape. He changed it when he saw fit and Porter, a sub, scored again. It worked perfectly in terms of rotating the squad and also us getting another win. He has done a great job since he took over and just a shame we may run out of games at the end of the season.
Officials – Nigel Miller. A relatively easy game to referee. He booked one player all night – Coady for a trip that maybe was a tad harsh but he did not go for the ball and was a bit cynical (was due to Paynter losing it before him). As for the remainder of the game there were barely any bad tackles or moments of controversy really. Good to see hi enforce a wall going back fully 10 yards on the goal (it seemed even further –rare I ever say that!) The biggest issue he had was the lack of decisions being made by either of his assistants who seemed like they never wanted to make any kind of call and often just waited till Miller did it for them.
Crowd – Fairly quiet for the most part. Bit down numbers wise in recent weeks (16,051) but of course with so many games and the cup game looming you cannot be too critical. It was relatively subdued as the game never really properly sparked into life and even when United went in front it was comfortable. Only a brief spell when they pegged us back needed the crowd to up it a bit to help them over the line. The second goal was greeted with a loud cheer of course as it effectively signalled the eighth wins in a row and thoughts of course turned to Saturday.