Exeter City boss Gary Caldwell was full of praise for Peterborough United after his side narrowly lost 2-1 on the road on Saturday.
It was a huge three points for Peterborough who still have an outside chance of a place in the automatic places. Perhaps more importantly, they extend their gap to seventh, and look as if they will have a spot in the play-offs come the end of the season.
With Stevenage drawing in sixth and Oxford United, who are just outside of the play-offs in seventh losing, Posh have now extended that gap to five points. Saturday’s result also means Peterborough have now won back-to-back games, a good response after some poor performances.
Significantly, they also have two games in hand over Derby County in second and one over Bolton Wanderers in third. With a seven-point deficit to both, winning those games in hand could put them right back in the automatic promotion picture.
Having gone winless in five, Darren Ferguson’s side had slipped down the table and were at risk of falling out of the play-offs. The ship has however been steadied, and his side seem as if they are gradually getting back to their best.
Ephron Mason-Clark would fire home his 12th League One goal of the season to put the hosts 1-0 up within five minutes. The Grecians would however respond well and would go into half-time level after Tom Carroll put away what was the visitors only shot on target. But it would be Kwame Poku who would give Posh all three points midway through the second half in what could be perceived as a deserved win for the home side.
Although ultimately disappointed with the loss, Exetermanager Gary Caldwell knew that his side were facing off with top opposition. In his post-match interview with Devon Live, he gave Peterborough plenty of credit and believes that they’ll be at the pointy end come the end of the season.
“Peterborough are the best team in the league for me in terms of quality and the way they play, but for large parts we matched that and kept going right to the very end. Later in the game we dominated and we could have got something from that period. It is a big disappointment but it is a massive pride and a lot to take from the performance into the final ten games.
“They are a top team, will be at least in the play-offs, if not the automatics, and we had a ten minute spell where we had to see it out with more bravery when we won the ball, run out of trouble rather than kick away and invite more pressure. We grew into the game, had chances at the end, and it wasn’t for want of trying we lost the game.”
Writer’s View
Although it may only be an outside chance at the minute, Peterborough are still in the hunt for automatic promotion. Gaining all three points on Saturday was pivotal to keeping any hopes alive, and they battled well to gain all three points.
They don’t by any means have an easy run in, however they do still have each of the current bottom four to play, which should help their chances. Their final day of the season game against Bolton Wanderers already looks a huge one, and though that may be looking too far in the future, Ferguson will be hoping that his side can continue the winning momentum and have something to play for on the final day.
