Match Report: Soaked, second best but ultimately successful

[Olé]

In monsoon like conditions at Peterborough, depleted City followed up the disappointing loss at Millwall by being largely second best to their promoted opponents, standing off a succession of attacks and never matching the hosts' pass and move - yet somehow Joe Williams contrived a barnstorming late Chris Martin winner against the run of play.

The visitors gave their former League One hosts acres of space on either flank and so could have few complaints when one time City misfit Sammy Szmodics punished them.  Led by Calum O'Dowda's wing play they got level from a corner and then went in front in a rare passing move - sealed by George Tanner drilling home a rebounded effort.

But Sam Szmodics again took advantage of stand off defending to level and the visitors rarely looked likely to threaten during a one-sided second half - only for Williams to turn the game on its head in front of the massed ranks of traveling supporters, bundling past defenders and slipping it inside to Martin, who steered home an explosive late winner.

Played in torrential rain it was Posh who had started the brighter through Szmodics down the left, regularly probing their opponents - though on 6 minutes O'Dowda got in behind onto a left wing through ball, only to square it just behind Matty James with defenders racing back out of position, the hosts in the end bundling the loose ball out for a corner.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes past the quarter hour that Andi Weimann held up the ball before running it goalward, slipping it right to Williams, whose cross was cut back from beyond the far post by O'Dowda, who in turn laid it into James path, only for City's energetic midfielder to loop a shot high and wide with time to threaten the host defence.

But on 21 minutes Peterborough made their more purposeful attacking movement count. An early ball down the left channel was easy for Harrison Burrows to control and lay off for Szmodics to run on from the edge of the box and curl an early looping shot past Dan Bentley and into the top corner - giving the home side an early lead in the pouring rain.

City's best spell of passing came midway in the half - a patient wing to wing move saw Martin and Tanner combine out right before spreading cross field via King, who released O'Dowda to the byline on the left, his cross cut out with Weimann ready to finish. Pring on the left then jinked past defenders into the box, going down claiming for a penalty.

After the half hour a left wing free kick was miscontrolled by Weimann but winning City several corners - from which O'Dowda's set piece met Rob Atkinson rising highest at the far post to send a bullet header into the top corner for the equaliser. Yet once again City stood off the hosts, Szmodics and Burrows given room to threaten from the channels.

So it was a surprise when the visitors stole in front inside 40 minutes. A rare break saw James steal in from the left and square to Martin to apply the finish, but his tame shot was blocked and rebounded out to full back Tanner who drilled a low cross shot into the bottom corner. A first goal for the club in his fourth game since rising from League Two. 

City ended the half again repelling chances from the Peterborough left, and an overload saw the Posh work the ball inside Williams and Tanner via Dan Butler - who lifted it into Szmodics at close range who this time was able to steer a header into the far corner. At the break a deep City free kick led to head tennis in the box before Martin headed wide.

After the restart the damp October weather had by now deteriorated into torrential rain that made it almost unplayable - although Williams early header forced a diving save from a deep James free kick, while at the other end Oliver Norburn took aim from 25 yards onto the bar and Nathan Thompson fired wide after Pring's slip up on the right.

City's only chances were coming from set pieces and another deep free kick saw the team breaking the lines in numbers, scorer Atkinson glancing the ball inside for Martin to head down and force a close range save. On the hour City highlighted their futile play as a patient passing move saw no runners in behind and retreated back to halfway.

Alex Scott replaced O'Dowda as the biblical weather made the match harder and harder to perform in - indeed despite the home side repeatedly probing it was Williams being put clear onto a long ball down the right at the midpoint of the second half that threatened more - only for the exhausted midfielder to badly overhit a low cross beyond teammates.

Heading into the last ten Peterborough were seeing all of the ball but City were creating the clearer chances. Martin forced another diving save with a flicked header following a Williams cross, then Tomas Kalas produced a stunning run - bringing it down in defence and racing upfield to beat the entire Posh defence, only to miss Martin with his centre.

So City had sounded a warning and despite being largely against the run of play they'd storm into a decisive lead a minute later and right in front of their fans. All action Williams bundled the ball past defenders and slipped it to Martin who curled home. Pandemonium in the away corner as City players, second best much of the day, celebrated with fans.

Before the end Bentley had to pull off a fine save to tip wide a free kick heading for the top corner following Burrows apparent dive. The keeper would need lengthy treatment in injury time as the Posh piled on the pressure - but City hung on and claimed their fourth away win in six trips, an improbable return from a poor performance in 

 

Bentley 7 Crucial save at the end 

Tanner 7 Took goal well, threw himself at everything at the end, Szmodics caused him problems though

Pring 6 One or two slips but generally solid and great driving fun first half

Kalas 7 Stunning run towards the end, never stops, probably showed Posh forwards too much respect when they ran the channels

Atkinson 7 Really well taken goal and some important flick ons from other set pieces

James 6 Some great set piece delivery but never really got hold of midfield for the quality of opposition

King 6 Probably shaded it over James and was a marked improvement over Bakinson - ran out of steam later on

Williams 7 Easily our best player in a poor performance - never stopped battling and trying to find space to pass or run

O'Dowda 6 Our biggest threat first half with some well timed runs and drilled crosses but got injured and came off early

Weimann 4 Nothing came off for him, didn't link well with anyone, pressed strongly but as an attacking threat non existent

Martin 5 Several good chances and a vital winner but slow and offered little outlet for much of the game

 

Scott 6 Added a bit of quality on the ball in difficult conditions although hard done by when hacked down and ref waved play on

[IAmNick]

Have really enjoyed these in the past, but this is another one I feel is a fair bit more negative than my own opinion, and not for the first time this season. I only watched on Robins TV however.

I thought we were the better side on balance, threatened more, and deserved the three points. Some of the comments like "largely second best" and so on throughout your report I feel are rather unfair.

On the ratings I think they're slightly on the low side. Martin I thought was good most of the day, even without his goal he found himself with some great chances and came near a few times. He'd have easily been a 6 and possibly a 7. Williams was outstanding and I'd have been tempted for an 8 there. In contrast while I was delighted for Tanner with his goal I thought positionally he was a little suspect today with his positioning throughout, especially in the closing stages, so it'd be a generous 7 for me - and that's not intended as a real criticism as he's a young lad and has stepped up a lot.

A great battling win in very challenging conditions for me, especially after going behind in the first half.

Edited October 2, 2021 by IAmNick

[The Original OTIB]

Atkinson didn't score, own goal.

Stood off, yes, but good battling win.

[Rossi the Robin]

Seen a few posts on social media from the opposition fans saying we cheated? What was this?

[Cov 77]

30 minutes ago, Olé said:

In monsoon like conditions at Peterborough, depleted City followed up the disappointing loss at Millwall by being largely second best to their promoted opponents, standing off a succession of attacks and never matching the hosts' pass and move - yet somehow Joe Williams contrived a barnstorming late Chris Martin winner against the run of play.

The visitors gave their former League One hosts acres of space on either flank and so could have few complaints when one time City misfit Sammy Szmodics punished them.  Led by Calum O'Dowda's wing play they got level from a corner and then went in front in a rare passing move - sealed by George Tanner drilling home a rebounded effort.

But Sam Szmodics again took advantage of stand off defending to level and the visitors rarely looked likely to threaten during a one-sided second half - only for Williams to turn the game on its head in front of the massed ranks of traveling supporters, bundling past defenders and slipping it inside to Martin, who steered home an explosive late winner.

Played in torrential rain it was Posh who had started the brighter through Szmodics down the left, regularly probing their opponents - though on 6 minutes O'Dowda got in behind onto a left wing through ball, only to square it just behind Matty James with defenders racing back out of position, the hosts in the end bundling the loose ball out for a corner.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes past the quarter hour that Andi Weimann held up the ball before running it goalward, slipping it right to Williams, whose cross was cut back from beyond the far post by O'Dowda, who in turn laid it into James path, only for City's energetic midfielder to loop a shot high and wide with time to threaten the host defence.

But on 21 minutes Peterborough made their more purposeful attacking movement count. An early ball down the left channel was easy for Harrison Burrows to control and lay off for Szmodics to run on from the edge of the box and curl an early looping shot past Dan Bentley and into the top corner - giving the home side an early lead in the pouring rain.

City's best spell of passing came midway in the half - a patient wing to wing move saw Martin and Tanner combine out right before spreading cross field via King, who released O'Dowda to the byline on the left, his cross cut out with Weimann ready to finish. Pring on the left then jinked past defenders into the box, going down claiming for a penalty.

After the half hour a left wing free kick was miscontrolled by Weimann but winning City several corners - from which O'Dowda's set piece met Rob Atkinson rising highest at the far post to send a bullet header into the top corner for the equaliser. Yet once again City stood off the hosts, Szmodics and Burrows given room to threaten from the channels.

So it was a surprise when the visitors stole in front inside 40 minutes. A rare break saw James steal in from the left and square to Martin to apply the finish, but his tame shot was blocked and rebounded out to full back Tanner who drilled a low cross shot into the bottom corner. A first goal for the club in his fourth game since rising from League Two. 

City ended the half again repelling chances from the Peterborough left, and an overload saw the Posh work the ball inside Williams and Tanner via Dan Butler - who lifted it into Szmodics at close range who this time was able to steer a header into the far corner. At the break a deep City free kick led to head tennis in the box before Martin headed wide.

After the restart the damp October weather had by now deteriorated into torrential rain that made it almost unplayable - although Williams early header forced a diving save from a deep James free kick, while at the other end Oliver Norburn took aim from 25 yards onto the bar and Nathan Thompson fired wide after Pring's slip up on the right.

City's only chances were coming from set pieces and another deep free kick saw the team breaking the lines in numbers, scorer Atkinson glancing the ball inside for Martin to head down and force a close range save. On the hour City highlighted their futile play as a patient passing move saw no runners in behind and retreated back to halfway.

Alex Scott replaced O'Dowda as the biblical weather made the match harder and harder to perform in - indeed despite the home side repeatedly probing it was Williams being put clear onto a long ball down the right at the midpoint of the second half that threatened more - only for the exhausted midfielder to badly overhit a low cross beyond teammates.

Heading into the last ten Peterborough were seeing all of the ball but City were creating the clearer chances. Martin forced another diving save with a flicked header following a Williams cross, then Tomas Kalas produced a stunning run - bringing it down in defence and racing upfield to beat the entire Posh defence, only to miss Martin with his centre.

So City had sounded a warning and despite being largely against the run of play they'd storm into a decisive lead a minute later and right in front of their fans. All action Williams bundled the ball past defenders and slipped it to Martin who curled home. Pandemonium in the away corner as City players, second best much of the day, celebrated with fans.

Before the end Bentley had to pull off a fine save to tip wide a free kick heading for the top corner following Burrows apparent dive. The keeper would need lengthy treatment in injury time as the Posh piled on the pressure - but City hung on and claimed their fourth away win in six trips, an improbable return from a poor performance in 

 

Bentley 7 Crucial save at the end 

Tanner 7 Took goal well, threw himself at everything at the end, Szmodics caused him problems though

Pring 6 One or two slips but generally solid and great driving fun first half

Kalas 7 Stunning run towards the end, never stops, probably showed Posh forwards too much respect when they ran the channels

Atkinson 7 Really well taken goal and some important flick ons from other set pieces

James 6 Some great set piece delivery but never really got hold of midfield for the quality of opposition

King 6 Probably shaded it over James and was a marked improvement over Bakinson - ran out of steam later on

Williams 7 Easily our best player in a poor performance - never stopped battling and trying to find space to pass or run

O'Dowda 6 Our biggest threat first half with some well timed runs and drilled crosses but got injured and came off early

Weimann 4 Nothing came off for him, didn't link well with anyone, pressed strongly but as an attacking threat non existent

Martin 5 Several good chances and a vital winner but slow and offered little outlet for much of the game

 

Scott 6 Added a bit of quality on the ball in difficult conditions although hard done by when hacked down and ref waved play on

Was there , were you ? second best my ass

[Kodjias Wrist]

23 minutes ago, Rossi the Robin said:

Seen a few posts on social media from the opposition fans saying we cheated? What was this?

Bentley going down in last minutes and then taking ages to get up. Basically championship shithousing.

[elhombrecito]

I must have watched a different game. Thought we were much the better team 

[Wanderingred]

That’s the first I’ve heard about it being a poor performance and us being second best…  I guess we see games differently sometimes.

[Rossi the Robin]

28 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Bentley going down in last minutes and then taking ages to get up. Basically championship shithousing.

If that’s it then they are scraping the barrel

Sore losers 

[joe jordans teeth]

Can’t see how we were second best if I’m honest but everyone is due a opinion 

[2015]

Very harsh ratings and a very critical view of the game.

I was there, it could have gone either way but we took our chance when it came and a good battling display by City.

Williams an 8 for me and Pring a 7 at least. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

Usually really enjoy Ole's reports but this feels a bit unduly negative IMO.

It wasn't a sparkling performance but there were masses of spirit, and let's not forget that we are injury hit albeit not reaching levels of last season.

Good away win in difficult conditions at a side who had only lost once at home this season. Think at home they will cause a few sides issues tbh.

In addition to the injuries, I question whether eg Williams and O'Dowda are/were fully fit. Martin starting 11 games in just over 2 months is brave too. 

Dominance is an interesting thing, Peterborough certainly had a lot more possession but 2nd half especially we certainly had quite a few more chances. The clearer chances in the game too.

[Rossi the Robin]

Doesn’t look like a smash and grab to me - stats suggest we were slightly the better team. Away side as well

Edited October 2, 2021 by Rossi the Robin

[Malvern Red]

Difficult to understand a 5 rating when Martin scored a superb match-winning goal, however, I wasn’t there so have to respect your judgment 

[slartibartfast]

31 minutes ago, Malvern Red said:

Difficult to understand a 5 rating when Martin scored a superb match-winning goal, however, I wasn’t there so have to respect your judgment 

If that had been GMcG who wrote that, people would be all over it like a 30 bob suit !

I usually enjoy Ole's write ups, but whether he got out of the wrong side this morning, or was soaking wet, but it does seem a tad "grumpy". It makes it sound like (in comparison) we steam rollered QPR. Very disappointing revue .

[downendcity]

My first game live for some time.

I wouldn't say we were second best, but  agree that we stood off Posh too much and gave them too much time and space in the last third, Doing so led to both their goals. Peterborough overloaded down the flanks and this caused us problems all game, although I don't think Posh made that much of a fair bit of attacking possession. 

By comparison, while we didn't have so much attacking play, we seemed to create more better chances when we did get in and around their penalty area.

One thing I noticed is that when we attack our build up play is very (too) measured and controlled, giving the opposition time to regain their shape and defend. This is probably due to us not having a lot of pace in midfield - that’s where we missed HNM. Scott’s introduction made a difference, as he was prepared to take players on and break the lines.

it was a battling display full of grit and determination, in conditions that must have been taxing after a tough midweek game and with a few of the team having "older legs”.

I was pleasantly surprised to see we at last have someone the team able to hit a decent corner and get it past the first defender, although we are still pretty rubbish at taking throw ins!

On that performance I don't think we are a million miles away. A fully fit Williams, James and HNM I can see as being a pretty good midfield and the defence looked OK as Atkinson and Tanner will continue to improve, but, for all Martin’s heroics today, we do need more pace up front to stretch defences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Redrascal2]

2 hours ago, Olé said:

In monsoon like conditions at Peterborough, depleted City followed up the disappointing loss at Millwall by being largely second best to their promoted opponents, standing off a succession of attacks and never matching the hosts' pass and move - yet somehow Joe Williams contrived a barnstorming late Chris Martin winner against the run of play.

The visitors gave their former League One hosts acres of space on either flank and so could have few complaints when one time City misfit Sammy Szmodics punished them.  Led by Calum O'Dowda's wing play they got level from a corner and then went in front in a rare passing move - sealed by George Tanner drilling home a rebounded effort.

But Sam Szmodics again took advantage of stand off defending to level and the visitors rarely looked likely to threaten during a one-sided second half - only for Williams to turn the game on its head in front of the massed ranks of traveling supporters, bundling past defenders and slipping it inside to Martin, who steered home an explosive late winner.

Played in torrential rain it was Posh who had started the brighter through Szmodics down the left, regularly probing their opponents - though on 6 minutes O'Dowda got in behind onto a left wing through ball, only to square it just behind Matty James with defenders racing back out of position, the hosts in the end bundling the loose ball out for a corner.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes past the quarter hour that Andi Weimann held up the ball before running it goalward, slipping it right to Williams, whose cross was cut back from beyond the far post by O'Dowda, who in turn laid it into James path, only for City's energetic midfielder to loop a shot high and wide with time to threaten the host defence.

But on 21 minutes Peterborough made their more purposeful attacking movement count. An early ball down the left channel was easy for Harrison Burrows to control and lay off for Szmodics to run on from the edge of the box and curl an early looping shot past Dan Bentley and into the top corner - giving the home side an early lead in the pouring rain.

City's best spell of passing came midway in the half - a patient wing to wing move saw Martin and Tanner combine out right before spreading cross field via King, who released O'Dowda to the byline on the left, his cross cut out with Weimann ready to finish. Pring on the left then jinked past defenders into the box, going down claiming for a penalty.

After the half hour a left wing free kick was miscontrolled by Weimann but winning City several corners - from which O'Dowda's set piece met Rob Atkinson rising highest at the far post to send a bullet header into the top corner for the equaliser. Yet once again City stood off the hosts, Szmodics and Burrows given room to threaten from the channels.

So it was a surprise when the visitors stole in front inside 40 minutes. A rare break saw James steal in from the left and square to Martin to apply the finish, but his tame shot was blocked and rebounded out to full back Tanner who drilled a low cross shot into the bottom corner. A first goal for the club in his fourth game since rising from League Two. 

City ended the half again repelling chances from the Peterborough left, and an overload saw the Posh work the ball inside Williams and Tanner via Dan Butler - who lifted it into Szmodics at close range who this time was able to steer a header into the far corner. At the break a deep City free kick led to head tennis in the box before Martin headed wide.

After the restart the damp October weather had by now deteriorated into torrential rain that made it almost unplayable - although Williams early header forced a diving save from a deep James free kick, while at the other end Oliver Norburn took aim from 25 yards onto the bar and Nathan Thompson fired wide after Pring's slip up on the right.

City's only chances were coming from set pieces and another deep free kick saw the team breaking the lines in numbers, scorer Atkinson glancing the ball inside for Martin to head down and force a close range save. On the hour City highlighted their futile play as a patient passing move saw no runners in behind and retreated back to halfway.

Alex Scott replaced O'Dowda as the biblical weather made the match harder and harder to perform in - indeed despite the home side repeatedly probing it was Williams being put clear onto a long ball down the right at the midpoint of the second half that threatened more - only for the exhausted midfielder to badly overhit a low cross beyond teammates.

Heading into the last ten Peterborough were seeing all of the ball but City were creating the clearer chances. Martin forced another diving save with a flicked header following a Williams cross, then Tomas Kalas produced a stunning run - bringing it down in defence and racing upfield to beat the entire Posh defence, only to miss Martin with his centre.

So City had sounded a warning and despite being largely against the run of play they'd storm into a decisive lead a minute later and right in front of their fans. All action Williams bundled the ball past defenders and slipped it to Martin who curled home. Pandemonium in the away corner as City players, second best much of the day, celebrated with fans.

Before the end Bentley had to pull off a fine save to tip wide a free kick heading for the top corner following Burrows apparent dive. The keeper would need lengthy treatment in injury time as the Posh piled on the pressure - but City hung on and claimed their fourth away win in six trips, an improbable return from a poor performance in 

 

Bentley 7 Crucial save at the end 

Tanner 7 Took goal well, threw himself at everything at the end, Szmodics caused him problems though

Pring 6 One or two slips but generally solid and great driving fun first half

Kalas 7 Stunning run towards the end, never stops, probably showed Posh forwards too much respect when they ran the channels

Atkinson 7 Really well taken goal and some important flick ons from other set pieces

James 6 Some great set piece delivery but never really got hold of midfield for the quality of opposition

King 6 Probably shaded it over James and was a marked improvement over Bakinson - ran out of steam later on

Williams 7 Easily our best player in a poor performance - never stopped battling and trying to find space to pass or run

O'Dowda 6 Our biggest threat first half with some well timed runs and drilled crosses but got injured and came off early

Weimann 4 Nothing came off for him, didn't link well with anyone, pressed strongly but as an attacking threat non existent

Martin 5 Several good chances and a vital winner but slow and offered little outlet for much of the game

 

Scott 6 Added a bit of quality on the ball in difficult conditions although hard done by when hacked down and ref waved play on

Tremendous battling performance with a never say die attitude from all the players. Created a lot of chances. Your report does not give the team the credit they deserve. And paints a picture of a game that is different to the one I saw.

[Davefevs]

12 minutes ago, slartibartfast said:

If that had been GMcG who wrote that, people would be all over it like a 30 bob suit !

I usually enjoy Ole's write ups, but whether he got out of the wrong side this morning, or was soaking wet, but it does seem a tad "grumpy". It makes it sound like (in comparison) we steam rollered QPR. Very disappointing revue .

@Oléis suffering a bit….he’s recently had to write nice things about Wells, so he’s all over the place with his striker ratings at the mo’.

[054123]

8 hours ago, Olé said:

In monsoon like conditions at Peterborough, depleted City followed up the disappointing loss at Millwall by being largely second best to their promoted opponents, standing off a succession of attacks and never matching the hosts' pass and move - yet somehow Joe Williams contrived a barnstorming late Chris Martin winner against the run of play.

The visitors gave their former League One hosts acres of space on either flank and so could have few complaints when one time City misfit Sammy Szmodics punished them.  Led by Calum O'Dowda's wing play they got level from a corner and then went in front in a rare passing move - sealed by George Tanner drilling home a rebounded effort.

But Sam Szmodics again took advantage of stand off defending to level and the visitors rarely looked likely to threaten during a one-sided second half - only for Williams to turn the game on its head in front of the massed ranks of traveling supporters, bundling past defenders and slipping it inside to Martin, who steered home an explosive late winner.

Played in torrential rain it was Posh who had started the brighter through Szmodics down the left, regularly probing their opponents - though on 6 minutes O'Dowda got in behind onto a left wing through ball, only to square it just behind Matty James with defenders racing back out of position, the hosts in the end bundling the loose ball out for a corner.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes past the quarter hour that Andi Weimann held up the ball before running it goalward, slipping it right to Williams, whose cross was cut back from beyond the far post by O'Dowda, who in turn laid it into James path, only for City's energetic midfielder to loop a shot high and wide with time to threaten the host defence.

But on 21 minutes Peterborough made their more purposeful attacking movement count. An early ball down the left channel was easy for Harrison Burrows to control and lay off for Szmodics to run on from the edge of the box and curl an early looping shot past Dan Bentley and into the top corner - giving the home side an early lead in the pouring rain.

City's best spell of passing came midway in the half - a patient wing to wing move saw Martin and Tanner combine out right before spreading cross field via King, who released O'Dowda to the byline on the left, his cross cut out with Weimann ready to finish. Pring on the left then jinked past defenders into the box, going down claiming for a penalty.

After the half hour a left wing free kick was miscontrolled by Weimann but winning City several corners - from which O'Dowda's set piece met Rob Atkinson rising highest at the far post to send a bullet header into the top corner for the equaliser. Yet once again City stood off the hosts, Szmodics and Burrows given room to threaten from the channels.

So it was a surprise when the visitors stole in front inside 40 minutes. A rare break saw James steal in from the left and square to Martin to apply the finish, but his tame shot was blocked and rebounded out to full back Tanner who drilled a low cross shot into the bottom corner. A first goal for the club in his fourth game since rising from League Two. 

City ended the half again repelling chances from the Peterborough left, and an overload saw the Posh work the ball inside Williams and Tanner via Dan Butler - who lifted it into Szmodics at close range who this time was able to steer a header into the far corner. At the break a deep City free kick led to head tennis in the box before Martin headed wide.

After the restart the damp October weather had by now deteriorated into torrential rain that made it almost unplayable - although Williams early header forced a diving save from a deep James free kick, while at the other end Oliver Norburn took aim from 25 yards onto the bar and Nathan Thompson fired wide after Pring's slip up on the right.

City's only chances were coming from set pieces and another deep free kick saw the team breaking the lines in numbers, scorer Atkinson glancing the ball inside for Martin to head down and force a close range save. On the hour City highlighted their futile play as a patient passing move saw no runners in behind and retreated back to halfway.

Alex Scott replaced O'Dowda as the biblical weather made the match harder and harder to perform in - indeed despite the home side repeatedly probing it was Williams being put clear onto a long ball down the right at the midpoint of the second half that threatened more - only for the exhausted midfielder to badly overhit a low cross beyond teammates.

Heading into the last ten Peterborough were seeing all of the ball but City were creating the clearer chances. Martin forced another diving save with a flicked header following a Williams cross, then Tomas Kalas produced a stunning run - bringing it down in defence and racing upfield to beat the entire Posh defence, only to miss Martin with his centre.

So City had sounded a warning and despite being largely against the run of play they'd storm into a decisive lead a minute later and right in front of their fans. All action Williams bundled the ball past defenders and slipped it to Martin who curled home. Pandemonium in the away corner as City players, second best much of the day, celebrated with fans.

Before the end Bentley had to pull off a fine save to tip wide a free kick heading for the top corner following Burrows apparent dive. The keeper would need lengthy treatment in injury time as the Posh piled on the pressure - but City hung on and claimed their fourth away win in six trips, an improbable return from a poor performance in 

 

Bentley 7 Crucial save at the end 

Tanner 7 Took goal well, threw himself at everything at the end, Szmodics caused him problems though

Pring 6 One or two slips but generally solid and great driving fun first half

Kalas 7 Stunning run towards the end, never stops, probably showed Posh forwards too much respect when they ran the channels

Atkinson 7 Really well taken goal and some important flick ons from other set pieces

James 6 Some great set piece delivery but never really got hold of midfield for the quality of opposition

King 6 Probably shaded it over James and was a marked improvement over Bakinson - ran out of steam later on

Williams 7 Easily our best player in a poor performance - never stopped battling and trying to find space to pass or run

O'Dowda 6 Our biggest threat first half with some well timed runs and drilled crosses but got injured and came off early

Weimann 4 Nothing came off for him, didn't link well with anyone, pressed strongly but as an attacking threat non existent

Martin 5 Several good chances and a vital winner but slow and offered little outlet for much of the game

 

Scott 6 Added a bit of quality on the ball in difficult conditions although hard done by when hacked down and ref waved play on

Up the city!!

[Son of Fred]

9 hours ago, Olé said:

In monsoon like conditions at Peterborough, depleted City followed up the disappointing loss at Millwall by being largely second best to their promoted opponents, standing off a succession of attacks and never matching the hosts' pass and move - yet somehow Joe Williams contrived a barnstorming late Chris Martin winner against the run of play.

The visitors gave their former League One hosts acres of space on either flank and so could have few complaints when one time City misfit Sammy Szmodics punished them.  Led by Calum O'Dowda's wing play they got level from a corner and then went in front in a rare passing move - sealed by George Tanner drilling home a rebounded effort.

But Sam Szmodics again took advantage of stand off defending to level and the visitors rarely looked likely to threaten during a one-sided second half - only for Williams to turn the game on its head in front of the massed ranks of traveling supporters, bundling past defenders and slipping it inside to Martin, who steered home an explosive late winner.

Played in torrential rain it was Posh who had started the brighter through Szmodics down the left, regularly probing their opponents - though on 6 minutes O'Dowda got in behind onto a left wing through ball, only to square it just behind Matty James with defenders racing back out of position, the hosts in the end bundling the loose ball out for a corner.

It wasn't until a couple of minutes past the quarter hour that Andi Weimann held up the ball before running it goalward, slipping it right to Williams, whose cross was cut back from beyond the far post by O'Dowda, who in turn laid it into James path, only for City's energetic midfielder to loop a shot high and wide with time to threaten the host defence.

But on 21 minutes Peterborough made their more purposeful attacking movement count. An early ball down the left channel was easy for Harrison Burrows to control and lay off for Szmodics to run on from the edge of the box and curl an early looping shot past Dan Bentley and into the top corner - giving the home side an early lead in the pouring rain.

City's best spell of passing came midway in the half - a patient wing to wing move saw Martin and Tanner combine out right before spreading cross field via King, who released O'Dowda to the byline on the left, his cross cut out with Weimann ready to finish. Pring on the left then jinked past defenders into the box, going down claiming for a penalty.

After the half hour a left wing free kick was miscontrolled by Weimann but winning City several corners - from which O'Dowda's set piece met Rob Atkinson rising highest at the far post to send a bullet header into the top corner for the equaliser. Yet once again City stood off the hosts, Szmodics and Burrows given room to threaten from the channels.

So it was a surprise when the visitors stole in front inside 40 minutes. A rare break saw James steal in from the left and square to Martin to apply the finish, but his tame shot was blocked and rebounded out to full back Tanner who drilled a low cross shot into the bottom corner. A first goal for the club in his fourth game since rising from League Two. 

City ended the half again repelling chances from the Peterborough left, and an overload saw the Posh work the ball inside Williams and Tanner via Dan Butler - who lifted it into Szmodics at close range who this time was able to steer a header into the far corner. At the break a deep City free kick led to head tennis in the box before Martin headed wide.

After the restart the damp October weather had by now deteriorated into torrential rain that made it almost unplayable - although Williams early header forced a diving save from a deep James free kick, while at the other end Oliver Norburn took aim from 25 yards onto the bar and Nathan Thompson fired wide after Pring's slip up on the right.

City's only chances were coming from set pieces and another deep free kick saw the team breaking the lines in numbers, scorer Atkinson glancing the ball inside for Martin to head down and force a close range save. On the hour City highlighted their futile play as a patient passing move saw no runners in behind and retreated back to halfway.

Alex Scott replaced O'Dowda as the biblical weather made the match harder and harder to perform in - indeed despite the home side repeatedly probing it was Williams being put clear onto a long ball down the right at the midpoint of the second half that threatened more - only for the exhausted midfielder to badly overhit a low cross beyond teammates.

Heading into the last ten Peterborough were seeing all of the ball but City were creating the clearer chances. Martin forced another diving save with a flicked header following a Williams cross, then Tomas Kalas produced a stunning run - bringing it down in defence and racing upfield to beat the entire Posh defence, only to miss Martin with his centre.

So City had sounded a warning and despite being largely against the run of play they'd storm into a decisive lead a minute later and right in front of their fans. All action Williams bundled the ball past defenders and slipped it to Martin who curled home. Pandemonium in the away corner as City players, second best much of the day, celebrated with fans.

Before the end Bentley had to pull off a fine save to tip wide a free kick heading for the top corner following Burrows apparent dive. The keeper would need lengthy treatment in injury time as the Posh piled on the pressure - but City hung on and claimed their fourth away win in six trips, an improbable return from a poor performance in 

 

Bentley 7 Crucial save at the end 

Tanner 7 Took goal well, threw himself at everything at the end, Szmodics caused him problems though

Pring 6 One or two slips but generally solid and great driving fun first half

Kalas 7 Stunning run towards the end, never stops, probably showed Posh forwards too much respect when they ran the channels

Atkinson 7 Really well taken goal and some important flick ons from other set pieces

James 6 Some great set piece delivery but never really got hold of midfield for the quality of opposition

King 6 Probably shaded it over James and was a marked improvement over Bakinson - ran out of steam later on

Williams 7 Easily our best player in a poor performance - never stopped battling and trying to find space to pass or run

O'Dowda 6 Our biggest threat first half with some well timed runs and drilled crosses but got injured and came off early

Weimann 4 Nothing came off for him, didn't link well with anyone, pressed strongly but as an attacking threat non existent

Martin 5 Several good chances and a vital winner but slow and offered little outlet for much of the game

 

Scott 6 Added a bit of quality on the ball in difficult conditions although hard done by when hacked down and ref waved play on

Williams outstanding - at least an 8....

5 for Martin??....has to be seen to have done his job with a well taken winner so has to be 6.

Atkinson 7 ??....caught standing off - again...proving to be a flaw(for now)in his game.....5.

And Bentley... Felt his positioning was very questionable today...no way 7....

As for second best - is this an advert for 'specsavers???......

Edited October 3, 2021 by Son of Fred

[Spoons]

Otib users  love affair with @Oléseems to be on the rocks this morning.

Normally can't do anything wrong. 

[054123]

1 hour ago, Spoons said:

Otib users  love affair with @Oléseems to be on the rocks this morning.

Normally can't do anything wrong. 

Rob’s just been on a bit of a downer lately. I posted after the QPR game that it’s apparent to most the level we currently operate at, it’s almost like we’re wallowing in our own self pity.

We’re better than I thought we would be this year and that’s a positive. It’s almost like some are constantly measuring us against a playoff bar or something.

Its clear to see the improvement on the squad ethos and effort, which is an improvement from last year.

Overall is anyone disappointed with the season so far? Even though our performances suggest we’re not a top 10 team. It’s been alright hasn’t it?

[pl00peh91]

12 minutes ago, 054123 said:

Rob’s just been on a bit of a downer lately. I posted after the QPR game that it’s apparent to most the level we currently operate at, it’s almost like we’re wallowing in our own self pity.

We’re better than I thought we would be this year and that’s a positive. It’s almost like some are constantly measuring us against a playoff bar or something.

Its clear to see the improvement on the squad ethos and effort, which is an improvement from last year.

Overall is anyone disappointed with the season so far? Even though our performances suggest we’re not a top 10 team. It’s been alright hasn’t it?

I’m not sure how you can be on a downer when we have the best away record in the league! Especially for someone who is well known for travelling to all away games. We have had an excellent start to the season all things considered, and have a strong platform to build from as well. Can see us getting better, not worse.

[mozo]

I do think that we fans take a lot of our better play for granted and are over critical.

Even in the Millwall game I thought we were expansive and dominant for good periods and yet the overall picture from fans was we were terrible, completely ignoring injuries and momentum.

Again, yesterday, yes we defended too deep at times, but let's not forget that there was some good play to defend and we still edged an entertaining end to end game.

[E.G.Red]

10 hours ago, Rossi the Robin said:

Seen a few posts on social media from the opposition fans saying we cheated? What was this?

I think it’s the penalty they thought they were denied 

[Northern Red]

2 hours ago, Spoons said:

Otib users  love affair with @Oléseems to be on the rocks this morning.

Normally can't do anything wrong. 

Are you jealous?

[DT The Optimist]

Great report from Ole, he tells it as he sees it. Always enjoy the read. We can all see the same game and take a different view.

Not there so i could not comment but on radio Brizzle Gary Owers view was we deserved the win. At odds with Ole.

On another thread I commented how Darren Ferguson,  after the game, stated CM gave them problems with his quality throughout... Ole gives him a pretty average mark. Either way, he reported as he saw it. 

[Red-Robbo]

26 minutes ago, pl00peh91 said:

I’m not sure how you can be on a downer when we have the best away record in the league! 

Exactly. Leave that for all us poor sods who attend all the home games, but never travel!   

[BTRFTG]

After Wednesday I couldn't be bothered yesterday but in Ole I trust. Usually calls most correct and there's no reason to doubt he didn't yesterday. I'd certainly trust his word over the majority of 'rose-tinteds' who focus on the poplulist minutiae but are unable to see the big picture.

Matters not if striker 'x' scored, fact is those presently at AG aren't good enough for what they purport to be, don't score as often as they should, they offer little. If you wrote a 4 rating against their names pre-match you'd be correct more times than not.

Some of the recent acquisitions and youngsters give us hope for the future, some whose form has been revitalised by proper management likewise, but we've still plenty of dross on the books from the previous regime that needs clearing out.

KP scored an extraordinary goal the other week and folks fawned like he was a world beater of the highest order rather than a week in, week out liability who should only be deployed for the final 10 minutes if 3-0 up at home. Ditto the Mock Mick who, at Norwich, scored one of the finest individual goals I've ever seen from a City player but who's contributed little other in a shockingly poor career with us.

Interesting that Ole's assessments tend to accord with Pearson's own analysis, particularly when we win when we probably didn't deserve to against the balance of play. Not for either Winning = City were brilliant. Like under the reign of Johnson Senior we've had quite a few 'stolen' victories this season and long may they keep coming, if that's what we have at our disposal.

Best away record? Probably. Outplayed teams in games we have won? Rarely. That's football.

Keep calling it Ole.

[lenred]

23 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

Are you jealous?

Certainly sounds like it! Rob does a cracking job.