Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson believes Reading are in a false position ahead of their League One clash this afternoon.
Off-the-field antics have made this a season to forget for the Royals, having been hit with a total of a four-point deduction thus far. This means that they have been docked a total of 10 points since the turn of the year and also saw their relegation to the third tier confirmed in May.
The Berkshire side have struggled near the foot of the table, although a recent mini revival has seen them climb out of the bottom three. They have recorded three wins in their last six league games whilst only suffering one defeat, and they will travel to the Weston Homes Stadium this afternoon to face one of the most in-form teams in the division.
In stark contrast, Peterborough have climbed into the automatic promotion places and continue to chase down league leaders Portsmouth. Manager Darren Ferguson opted to remain at the club in the summer following their staggering play-off semi final defeat last season, which saw Sheffield Wednesday recover from a 4-0 first leg deficit to progress on penalties.
The 51-year-old isn’t taking anything for granted when Reading come to town and was full of praise for his managerial counterpart Ruben Selles. Speaking ahead of the clash, via Peterborough Telegraph, the Posh boss said:
“I have watched Reading’s last three games and make no mistake, they are a very good side. I can’t understand why they have struggled because they play some really good football, the manager has got them well coached and they have a lot of talented players for the level including Sam Smith, Lewis Wing and Harvey Knibbs.
“It doesn’t matter what position they are in, they will provide us with a very tough game.”
It’s been 22 years since Reading have recorded a victory at London Road, when they emerged with a 2-1 win in the then-Division Two (now League One).
Writer’s View
Ruben Selles has done a stellar job in keeping his team competitive this season, despite the ongoing off-the-field trauma. The fact that they are now outside of the relegation places with everything that has been thrown at him is a testament to the belief he has shown his young squad.
They’ve recorded good wins over Wigan Athletic and Carlisle United in recent weeks and should have come away from Sincil Bank with three points against Lincoln City earlier this month, but their away form has been poor and Peterborough should prove too strong this afternoon.
Head of Writing
