Peterborough Utd V Swindon Town

Nice new stand, shame about the result.

The Robins played well in the first half (good passing and ball retention), with low-centre-of-gravity Byrne excelling; whilst Posh played like an away team. It would have been nice if the clear penalty on Newell not given at the beginning of the first half had been given, because a goal so early on would have boosted our confidence.

The second goal the Robins so opportunely (time-wise) scored at the beginning of the second half almost killed the game. Things started looking up for us, however, when our subs came on in the 70th minute (replacing two ineffectual midfielders). Newell's goal was too late but would not have been if Washington hadn't earlier hit the crossbar, when scoring a goal (the goal was open) would have been the easier option.

The Robins, if they continue to play as they did, have to be promotion favourites along with Bristol City and Preston; although the MK Dons are chasing. And if we continue to play as we did, then mid-table beckons.

Unfortunately, two of our creative players are injured, and the third (Oztumer, the so-called Turkish Messi) was again left on the bench - why Fergie?

Our sole hope has to be that Maddison and Taylor return from injury, refrain from future injury, and that we repeat our act of improving in the second half of seasons.

Bristol City next in front of the SKY cameras on Friday night. I'd be lying if I said that I was not dreading the prospect. City will be wanting to halt their losing run: also, my long-term temporary employment ends on Friday.

It's looking increasingly like we were in a false position early season because of the brilliance of Maddison.

Last year it was Assombalongas goals which kept a poor side in a play-off position.

This year we have a better team on paper and the manager is making a mess of it IMO.

We could easily lose the next 5 games too and be out of the FA Cup and well in mid-table by the time Maddison comes back.

I have said before that Town & Posh are very similar clubs. I spent 6 months there years ago & found it a great place apart from the fog. Posh are stalwarts in football, always hard to beat, but then Swindon, I hope, are the same. This time we won, next time, who knows?

Thanks for your comments, Don and RedGollum.

Righteous, you are right (as well as righteous). Fergie needs to sort things out. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to Darragh's tweet, as I am finding him too complacent.

Thorney, thanks for your excellent and objective summary.

Brendan Rodgers views on LFC at the present time:

(1) His players' passing is too tentative
(2) There is not enough intensity and togetherness
(3) Confidence is low and the team is conceding poor goals
(4) They are not aggressive and not playing as a team.

Some of the same could be said for PUFC at the present time.

Maybe Sturridge's and Maddison's returns will help transform things.

Well, Rodgers is the manager. It is his job to sort it out, that is what he is paid for. All of those points are down to him.

And he has admitted that they are down to him - plus, I would say, some dodgy signings.

Berahino, who excelled on loan at Posh when were in the Championship, should be top of his shopping list.

If the passing is not right, it is up to the coach to sort it. If there is no togetherness & confidence, then the same applies. If they are not playing as a team, then who picked them?
I remember visiting a dyehouse some years ago. Some unhappy employee had put a sign up in the dyer's office. It said "From the management, the floggings will continue until morale improves" The dyehouse manager got fired too late to save them from going bust.