White Noise (Peterborough away)

The lineup was exactly as I expected, and I really fancied us to give Posh a bit of a beating. It's been fine margins for us so far in the embryonic stage of this new season. Having to cope with adversity in the shape of early second half dismissals, going in 2-0 down at half time and being pegged back in the dying embers of games. There's been lots to like in the four games played, but as I said in a previous noise, the results could easily have gone against us. But for some reason tonight, I just felt we'd give them a towelling.

We didn't, but based on the handful of good opportunities that went begging, we may well have done. And I was nearly touching cloth when that cross came over in what turned out to be the final play of the game. I think I heard a squeak down there anyway.

I felt we looked a little too casual in the first half. There was no lack of effort, but it needed a bit more drive and ambition at times. I don't think Luca was having a good evening, and it worried me a little as he and Kelly seemed to end up in each other's spaces far too much. But Phillips, Vickers and Watson looked lively on the right and we ought to have done better three or four times but each chance fell at the final hurdle. I was sure Phillips was going to leather that one where he had time from an acute angle, but he tried the cut-back which was never happening.

At the other end, Shep had some 'moments'. But no damage done. You can tell he's playing on the wrong side of defence I'm afraid so there's context there. And even though Earl was again impressive for me (my POTM against Bolton) I still have panic attacks when he's faffing 30 yards from our goal. Full backs were both sound, and Cooper made a good stop when Posh were allowed to gain 20 yards with a throw-in.

I think we just about deserved the lead at half time. We'd created the better openings and were dominating every possible metric. Especially passes in the final third, and massively ahead in tackles/duels etc.

The goal that saw us in front was slightly fortunate as I'm not convinced it goes in without the defender's help. But you have to appreciate the endeavour and craft of Vickers who reminded me of Hammill the way he withstood challenges and whipped it goalwards. Craft and graft, that kid. Enjoy him while he's here.

It wasn't miles better after the break, and the opposition were now just sending it direct into the channels which presented a different look. Again, we weren't without 'moments' in defence. But in changing tactics slightly, Posh gave up the ball also. We really took hold of possession and ought to have at least trebled our advantage. The 'keeper made a great save to deny Phillips, although I still think he should have given him no chance. And after being denied by the woodwork, McG somehow missed a better opportunity when I'd already pulled off my t-shirt ready to do the biceps celebration with him.

Other bits and pieces - how did their lad not get booked in the first half for dragging our player down on halfway? Or the lad who tripped Kelly, just after he'd booked Watson for barely a touch. Not that it matters much. There was one who did similar to Vimal the other day too. It's just the lack of consistency that confuses me.

I know he was only on for a short while, but I thought Bland was great. It's not easy to come on at full back, trying to defend a 1-0 lead away from home. At 19-years-old. But he just oozes composure and plays like he's been at it for 10 years. You can't teach that.

Nobody was as good as Kelly though. I think he's going to rival Phillips for my favourite laiker at this rate. He's everything I called for in the summer in a midfielder. Graft, bravery, bit of sh**housery, but bags of talent too. Here there and everywhere. Early days I know. But how good is it when you can replace Vimal with him, and not look any worse off, and still have Big Jon to come on and glide around for a bit in his own world. Can't see that being the case for much longer, but that's a different thread.

Are we top of the league? 10 points from 12 is a return even I didn't expect. Yes, I was a big Conor advocate, and took some pelters for that last season. But I thought mid-table was where we'd land this season. A transitional campaign. It may well still be. But it's been a pleasure to watch thus far.

*I felt Khela in midfield for them was really good, but they looked poor in general.

Ratings:

Cooper 7
Watson 7
Shepherd 6
Earl 8
Ogbeta 7 (Bland 7)
Connell 7
Kelly 8 (Russell 6)
Phillips 8
Vickers 8 (Cleary 5)
McGoldrick 7
Keillor-Dunn 6

 

Excellent write-up as usual Andy. Earl gave me the heebie-jeebies at times today. I like him a lot, but while he is very skillful for a centre half, prime Baresi he is not.

Ogbeta impressed me again. Bags of energy up and down the left, and can whip a brilliant cross in with a lot of pace. Not surprised he got taken off as he must have been knackered. Made a lot of good interceptions as well. If he can get a bit stronger in the tackle he'll be an excellent player, and presumably one we'll have a chance of signing permanently. I certainly wouldn't be against it from what we've seen so far.

 

Cheers mate great read as usual I’m glad you singled out bland. He’s proper good isn’t he. Like proper proper good.

 

Bland will go for big money if we don't go up in the next couple of seasons. And possibly even bigger money if we do. Makes the game look so simple.

 

Ratings from WhoScored for those who care:

 

Kelly is Josh Scowen's Irish second cousin.

 

Enjoyed that Mr White good write up Andy
Iam always worried about our defence squeaky bum time more than once tonight I thought. I still think we need someone in there who has the ability to marshall, a gobby centre half will make all the difference
Whilst we controlled the majority of the game, I thought we looked rather subdued at times and a tad heavy legged
First half I think we gave them too much room and more experienced pro's would have punished us in front of goal
Once again and we see it often, when like tonight a couple of times passes go/went astray in mid field, which then puts the defence under unnecessary presure, individual mistakes through i guess a lack of concentration ( Luca main culprit ) yes we rode our Luck on a few occasions but overall the hard work they are putting in on the training ground seems to be paying off and long may it continue. We aren't the finished article but we are going in the right direction. Even more so if we can bring in, a decent centre half and another old head ( some big hairy ar**ed rough bugger, who can hold the ball up )up front lol
All that said well done to Conor his coaching staff and the lads another 3 points in the bag and top of the league briefly at one point. More positives than negatives. Let's enjoy it whilst it lasts