CAPTAIN CHRIS IS POSH’S HERO
SWEET dreams are made of this for Peterborough United manager Grant McCann.
A third straight league win for the fifthplaced side was sealed with a last-gasp winner at their biggest rivals, as Marcus Maddison whipped in an inswinging cross from the right and captain Chris Forrester flicked his header into the net right in front of 1,500 delighted Posh fans.
McCann, who joined in the celebrations with his staff and substitutes, said: “The first derby game was the best game I’ve been involved in as a manager, and this game tops it.
“To score a late winner at your local rivals it’s just what dreams are made of.
“It was a nothing game really, but I felt there was going to be a chance. Marcus’ delivery was second to none.
“I said to the boys at half-time imagine winning this game and celebrating with 1,500 Peterborough fans and they produced. I thought to a man they were outstanding.
“The momentum’s building in the changing room. I sense they’ve got the bit between their teeth.”
Taunted by the visiting fans due to Posh winning the reverse fixture 3-0 last month, Northampton supporters would have been doubly frustrated they did not have a halftime lead after seeing two strong shouts for a penalty turned down.
Jak McCourt appeared to have been fouled by Leo Da Silva Lopes while Peterborough’s Michael Bostwick grappled with Alex Revell at a corner, but referee Darren Bond was having none of it and waved away any protests.
The visitors were also indebted to goalkeeper Luke McGee who saved Brendan Moloney’s drive before sticking out a right boot to divert Revell’s follow up. Posh looked the more threatening side after the break, but Cobblers were denied in the 90th minute when Sam Hoskins’ effort deflected off Jack Baldwin and onto the top of the bar.
Ninety seconds later and the vast majority of a record league crowd at Sixfields was left stunned when Forrester stole the points, as goalkeeper Adam Smith and his defence stood still.
That made it two straight league games which the Cobblers have conceded an injury-time winner, to the frustration of boss Rob Page.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow. The cross comes in and you’ve got to take responsibility for it,” he said.
“When the lad shapes on his left foot there’s only one place he can go.
“If their player sees a six foot two goalkeeper coming out he won’t head that.
“You need men in there, you need characters who say ‘over my dead body’.
“I’m not quite sure if I’ve got enough of that.
“I can’t remember one chance they’ve created.
“We created a couple of half chances and on the break we looked dangerous.
“We did not deserve to lose the match.”