The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
A big confidence boost as Posh get off the bottom
Posh manager Grant McCann believes his team will return from the international break a more confident, positive and aggressive unit after keeping their relegation fight alive with a shock 3-1 win at QPR last weekend.
Posh came from behind to claim a first win in 16 Championship matches - and just a second away from home all season - with two goals from top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris and a screamer from Jack Marriott.
Posh moved off the bottom of the table, but remain in a perilous place, seven points from safety and with a considerable goal difference disadvantage.
They are next in action at home to play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough (April 2) and Luton Town (April 5).
McCann said: “It was a big win for us and it should fill the players with confidence going into the international break and before we return to face a very strong Middlesbrough side. We gave the ball away for
QPR to score and we then did that on numerous occasions and were lucky we weren’t punished further.
“It was a really good equaliser from Jonson. You put him in a position like that and he is going to score. I’m really pleased both our forwards are scoring as we will need them to give us any chance to stay up.
“At half-time, we spoke about not sitting back and going for the next goal and we manged to get that and then we scored an excellent goal to cap off a great day.
“I thought we defended some really dangerous balls from them in the second half, especially late on. We had do all sorts to keep the ball out of our net and credit to the players as they showed a real appetite to win the game.
“But this game is gone now and we have 10 days to prepare for the next one.”
Posh lost Clarke-Harris late in the game due to a dead leg, but he should be fit for the visit of Boro. Posh hope to have teenage striker Ricky-Jade Jones back for that game as well. He missed the QPR trip with a shoulder problem.
McCann replaced on-loan defender Bali Mumba at halftime at Loftus Road for tactical reasons.
McCann praised the travelling Posh support.
He added: “To have 800 fans there, considering the position we are in, is phenomenal and they keep coming and coming. I was just pleased to send them home with three points as it’s been tough for them away from home this season.”
Harrison Burrows came on at half-time at QPR and played well.
Posh striker Ricky-Jade Jones could be back for the Boro game.