Posh promotion push

Posh have sneaked into a League One play-off place, but manager Grant McCann admits he still has plenty to work on.

Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Swindon at the A BA X Stadium was enough to move Posh up a place to sixth, but it could have been even better as goals from Gwion Edwards and Marcus Maddison (from the penalty spot) twice saw McCann’s men in front.

Swindon also converted a penalty and equalised for the final time courtesy of an own goal by Jack Baldwin in front of the live Sky TV cameras.

McCann said: “In the end a draw was a fair result against a very good Swindon side.

“Obviously we want to be winning our home games, but we stood off them too much in the first half.

“In the second half we tried to pressurise them a lot more when they had the ball and we certainly improved.

“It’s been a decent start, but there is plenty for us to work on.

“We are sixth, but we can get much better. That’s a positive thought to take into the next match.

“We scored two good goals against Swindon, but I was disappointed for our back four that we conceded a penalty and an own goal as they had all put in a good shift and defended well.

“The penalty they were given was a disappointment. Even the Swindon manager felt we were hard done by.

“The ball did hit Michael Bostwick on the arm, but he did all he could to get his arms and hands out of the way of the ball.

“You often get the benefit of the doubt when these things happen in a home match, but unfortunately not this time!

“It’s a shame because leading twice at home ought to lead to a win.”

McCann was pleased with some individual displays in the Swindon game and delighted he was able to give de buts from the substitutes bench to transfer deadline day loan signings George Moncur and Nathan Oduawa.

“Marcus Maddison was outstanding,” McCann stated. “His attacking quality has never been in doubt, but he’s learning the defensive part of his role as well.

“And we saw a glimpse of what George Moncur can do. There’s a reason why he ended up at a Championship club in the summer and there’s no doubt he will become a top player for our club. He has a lot of quality.

“Nathan didn’t have long to show us his best, but he can take the breath away with his ability.”

Bostwick collected the ‘Forever Posh’ player of the month prize for August ahead of the match following a string of strong defensive displays.

But it’s M addison and Edwards who have been catching the eye further forward. Edwards is joint secondtop scorer in League One with four goals in his first season at Posh, while Maddison is just a goal behind, but has also contributed five goal assists.

Maddison was second in the League One assist charts last season and he’s promised to deliver another productive season.

“Three goals and five assists in August is pleasing,” Maddison stated. “But it’s important I maintain the form for the whole season.

“It was disappointing not to beat Swindon. When you are ahead at home with 15 minutes to go you expect to win.”

The third Posh loan signing of transfer deadline day, Spurs goalkeeper Luke McGee, sat on the substitutes’ bench after failing to dislodge 39 year-old Mark Tyler from the starting line-up.

“Mark is a great professional ,” McCann added .“He never lets us down.”

Marcus Maddison: “I need to maintain my current form all season.”

Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards (left) is thrilled with his goal.

Marcus Maddison celebrates his goal for Posh from the penalty spot.

Michael Bostwick was unlucky to concede a penalty against Swindon.

Nathan Oduwa made his debut as a Posh substitute against Swindon.