Posh will go on the attack

Posh boss Darren Ferguson insists attack will be the best form of defence in a League One play-off semi-final at fortress Hillsborough tonight (Thursday).

Ferguson is not interested in a cautious, safety first approach even though Posh lead Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 from the first leg at London Road, a result that sent shockwaves through both camps.

Wednesday need to deliver a record-breaking comeback to deny Posh a place in the Wembley Final on Monday, May 29.

Ferguson’s side have kept three clean sheets in a row so will travel with confidence, but without complacency.

“We have been dealing with games in isolation in recent weeks and it’s worked out well for us,” Ferguson said.

"Taking care of one match at a time has been a consistent message from me to the players and if we get it right one more time we will play at Wembley.

"Our mindset will be to try and get a positive result. We will try and win the game, although we know we will be up against a powerful side who are very good at home.

"It’s an unusual one as we obviously start the game 4-0 ahead, but the best way to quieten what will be a big home crowd is to get on the front foot and score the first goal.

"Going there to defend all game would not suit us at all.

"And when we have the ball we have to be brave enough to play in tight areas so we can

entice them on to us and then hope our quality can hurt them.”

Wednesday are expecting a capacity crowd of around 33,500 for the match. The Owls will be hoping that support will help them extend a home record of 16 wins and just one defeat in 23 League One games.

TONEY BANNED

Former Posh striker Ivan Toney has been banned from football for eight months for breaches of The FA’s Betting Rules. The 27 year-old has also been fined £50k.

The 232 breaches took place between February 2017 and January 2021.

Toney played for Posh between August 2018 and August 2020 before joining Brentford in a £10 million deal.

Toney will not play again until January 24.

Full story on www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk

More Posh v Sheffield Wednesday pages 82-87

Jonson Clarke-Harris (blue, right) has just made it Posh 4, Sheffield Wednesday 0. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.