Peterborough United v Scunthorpe United

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Football League Championship

Peterborough United :
Lewis, Morgan, Zakuani, lee, Frecklington (Keates 80), Rowe, Diagouraga, Whelpdale (Batt 72), Mclean, Boyd, Mackail-Smith (Rose 79).
Subs not used:
McKeown, Martin, Bennett, Griffiths.

Scunthorpe United :
Murphy, Williams, Byrne, Jones, Spence (A.Wright 69), Togwell (Woolford 55), McCann, O'Connor, J.Wright (Thompson 56), Hayes, Forte.
Subs not used:
Slocombe, Canavan, Sparrow, Morris.

SULSESC REPORT

by Mark Borrill at London Road

Our Nige says we were unfortunate. Well, superficially, I would agree.

A cracking strike for their first, Lady Luck deserting us in front of goal, then a defensive lapse crucially just before the interval, and finally another penalty conceded.

Whilst that serves to summarise the match, it overlooks more significant underlying issues.

I've no doubts about our players' commitment and professionalism but, to be blunt, some lack the necessary ability at this level.

Moving on, given the all too obvious limitations in certain areas, frankly, if we can see it, then why doesn't our manager also see it?

Cliff is a liability as a championship right-back so use him when needs be as a central defender. Young Spence is learning but putting him in the middle paired with a weak right-back is asking for trouble. So Nige, put Andy Wright out right, using Cliff, and Spence benched.

As if below par players and uncertain tactics weren't enough, we also need to highlight the squad's lack of depth. Realistically, we've only got two forwards, which is alarming when compared with three 'keepers and how many central midfielders? About six!

What's the answer? Certainly not panic buying a la Torpey and, to be honest, I'm confident the club's hierarchy will strive to keep us up - we've got stability, a good team spirit and a better squad than two seasons ago so let's believe.

Sorry, Nige; yes, a bit unfortunate but please acknowledge and work on our deficiences.