Peterborough United remain rooted to the foot of League One after defeat to Barnsley, but manager Darren Ferguson is adamant his side will come good.
Posh Left Empty-Handed Again
Ferguson’s team slipped to a 1-0 home loss at the Weston Homes Stadium, extending their winless run to four matches at the start of the campaign. Despite another blank in front of goal, the performance carried more encouragement than recent outings as the hosts showed greater urgency and intensity.
Barnsley, under the guidance of Conor Hourihane, took advantage of defensive lapses to secure victory, while Posh once again lacked the required sharpness in both boxes. Ferguson made four changes to his line-up, including a start for George Nevett in central defence. The young defender responded with an assured display that earned plaudits from his manager.
Manager Remains Positive
Ferguson was keen to stress that, while the table makes grim reading, he has seen enough to believe fortunes will soon change.
“Unfortunately we have lost, but I have seen enough tonight to tell me results will turn soon,” he said. “It’s not been a good start to the season, but we will be fine, I’m convinced of that. We are just due a little break and we need to make sure we keep working hard to get that.”
The boss was left frustrated by a first-half decision that went against Kyrell Lisbie when he was brought down by Nathanael Ogbeta, only for the referee to award Barnsley a free-kick. He also pointed to late opportunities for Gustav Lindgren as evidence his side are edging closer to a breakthrough.
Barnsley struck the decisive blow when Caylan Vickers profited from a lapse in concentration just before the break. The visitors later struck the woodwork twice and forced goalkeeper Vicente Reyes into several important saves, but were ultimately indebted to profligacy for not adding to their tally.
Posh will attempt to secure their first points of the season this weekend when they host newly promoted Bradford City, fresh from a surprise away win at Stockport County. Ferguson is hopeful that the energy and application shown against Barnsley can finally be translated into a result.
Writer’s View
Peterborough United’s start has been difficult, and a fourth successive defeat leaves them bottom of the division. However, there were glimpses against Barnsley of a side beginning to knit together more effectively, with Nevett’s display a particular positive.
The concern remains a lack of cutting edge in attack and persistent lapses in defence, problems that will quickly need addressing if Ferguson’s confidence is to be justified. A win over Bradford would ease pressure and provide a much-needed springboard for the campaign.
