Forrester stars as Posh overcome Villa
PETERBOROUGH manager Grant McCann hopes to be able to hold on to two-goal FA Cup hero Jack Marriott after he inspired a dramatic 3-1 win at Aston Villa.
Villa struck first through Keinan Davis after eight minutes but Peterborough, with Dubliner Chris Forrester impressing in midfield, piled on the pressure before Marriott deservedly drew them level in the 75th minute.
Ryan Tafazolli gave the visitors an 83rd-minute lead and Marriott grabbed his 23rd goal of the season in stoppage time.
McCann said: ‘The lad is way above League One. He could easily play in the Championship, maybe higher, and score goals because of his pace and allround game.
‘I hope we keep him. I don’t think the chairman [Darragh MacAnthony] or Barry [Fry, director of football] are trying to sell him. But in football everyone has a price.’
McCann was delighted with the way his side battled back.
‘The boys stuck to the game plan,’ he said. ‘Sometimes when you come to a Championship team and go down you can end up getting beat four or five. But the boys played with no fear.’
Villa manager Steve Bruce admitted that his side were second best on a day when the only positive for him was the return of John Terry after 10 games out with a broken foot.
Bruce said: ‘We have to accept it. The best team won by a country mile. Peterborough had 20 efforts on our goal, which is ridiculous.’
Bruce made 10 changes, including bringing in four 19-year-olds, and admitted he needed to look at himself. ‘I have not got the combination right today,’ he said.
‘We needed the kids to understand what it is like to play in a big competition and how difficult it is to become a big player and play for Aston Villa.
‘We got in front and thought it was going to be a stroll in the park.’