The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
In-Cummings at Posh
Posh manager Grant McCann surveyed an excellent opening week of the 2016-17 season, but insisted he still has plenty to work on.
Posh won their first League One match 3-2 at Rochdale and followed it up with a 3-2 home success over AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the English Football League Cup.
Both matches were won by last-minute goals by substitutes, Gwion Edwards and Tom Nichols.
That strength from the bench pleased McCann as did the team’ s character incoming from behind in both games, but he’s not fooled into thinking he is working with a squad without problems.
“It’s obvious we have plenty to work on,” McCann admitted. “And we will do just that.
“We need to manage games better and conceding four goals in two games is a concern, but then we’ve scored six ourselves which seems to be the Peterborough way!
“It’s been a very pleasing start in terms of the character of the players, the goals we have scored and the obvious strength in depth we have.
“I want selection problems and Gwion Edwards gave me one with his performance as a substitute at Rochdale and Tom Nichols has given me another one with his display against Wimbledon. It’s vital to have a strong squad rather than just having a strong XI and we have that.
“I am always looking for new players, but others will look after that during August while I concentrate on getting the team right.
“We have two tough games coming up at home against Bradford on Saturday and Millwall next Tuesday, but we go into them with the confidence winning brings.
“I actually lost my cool with the players for the first time at half-time in the Wimbledon game as we had been way off the pace in the first half, but the reaction they gave me was excellent.
“To score three goals against anyone in the second half of a game is impressive.
“And to score three goals at Rochdale was also a top effort. Not many teams will win at Rochdale like we did as they area very good side.
“To think people were thinking we might struggle for goals this season! It’s good that they’ve been arriving from different players. Any forward player should relish playing for us as we will create so many chances.”
Posh have suffered injury concerns in the opening two games.
New central defender Ryan Tafazolli lasted just 21 minutes of his debut at Rochdale before succumbing to a hamstring strain. He should be fit to return this weekend.
Captain Chris Forrester limped out of the Dons match with a groins train. He was being assessed today( Thursday ).
Grant McCann: ‘People thought we might struggle to score goals.’