Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has delivered a furious assessment of his side’s weekend performance against Lincoln City.
Speaking on his Hard Truth podcast, the Posh owner did not hold back as he reacted to the 3-0 League One defeat at London Road, describing the display as “unacceptable.”
MacAnthony’s Outburst
MacAnthony admitted the heavy defeat to the Imps came as a complete shock, with the chairman openly questioning the mentality and quality of the squad assembled at significant cost. His response was peppered with expletives as he demanded more from Darren Ferguson’s side.
“It was d******. I watched the game and I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t expect that at all. It’s the biggest kick in the b******** I’ve had in a long time.
“I thought with this group we have a lot of experience, and we spent a lot of money. We brought in players we thought were promotion winners and everything else, I just didn’t see this coming.”
The 48-year-old acknowledged Lincoln had altered their usual approach by pressing high from the start, unsettling Posh before taking the lead through a set piece – an area where his team have struggled this season. He conceded the tactical shift gave the visitors the upper hand.
“Fair play to Lincoln, good for them and whatever, but we shouldn’t be losing 3-0 at home to anyone in League One.
“They came out strategically, started the game differently where they came at us instead of trying to give us possession, and they started fast. I thought we’d start fast, and we just didn’t.”
Missed Opportunities
MacAnthony also lamented key moments in front of goal. JJ Morgan struck the inside of the post at 1-0, dragged another chance wide at 2-0. The chairman argued those misses were decisive.
“The worst part of the game is the three chances we missed were probably easier than the ones they scored. They were three absolute sitters.
“The worst part was we come out second half, and they scored the second goal, and the players just had no belief.”
While frustrated, he did recognise the level of Lincoln’s coaching, noting the defensive organisation that saw them comfortably see the game out after Tendayi Darikwa’s strike extended the lead.
However, his verdict on the Posh’s display remained damning.
Writer’s View
MacAnthony’s honesty is rarely in doubt, and his podcast once again underlined just how passionately he views events at London Road. From a Lincoln perspective, it is telling that even amid his fury, he praised the tactical work of Michael Skubala and his staff.
The Imps have frustrated Posh before, but a three-goal margin on their own patch speaks volumes. For all of Peterborough’s investment and experience, it was Lincoln who looked the more cohesive and resilient unit, and that is why the chairman’s words will cut deep with his players.
