Post-Match Reaction - Port Vale

After a difficult January, it's safe to say we got back to winning ways with ease at Port Vale on Saturday.

Posh came out with a point to prove, and immediately started putting the pressure on Vale. Vale's only way out was a host of corners and free kicks which came to nothing. Posh looked comfortable, they just needed a goal to calm any nerves. When Maddison hit the deck inside the box they had the chance, but Maddison saw his effort saved by debutant Leo Fasan. But a minute later, Maddison cut in from the right and hit a curling effort to give Posh a well deserved lead at half time.

Anthony Grant was doing the job he was signed for to absolute perfection, mopping up Vale's attacks before they got far enough to threaten the Posh back line. The game became stretched as the Valliants threw everything they had at Posh in order to get back into the game. You always felt Posh had the capability to capitalise on the counter attack. They did just that, Junior Morias danced inside and fired his first goal for the club, and backed it up 5 minutes later with another well taken effort.

As I said in my pre-match thoughts, now was the time for Posh to knuckle down and concentrate on the league again after the drama of the transfer window had passed. The players all now know they'll be here until at least the end of the season, and seemed to realise that they need to put a shift in for this club again.

Anthony Grant had a solid debut, as did Craig Mackail-Smith, who linked up well with fellow front man Tom Nichols. However the partnership I'd like to see is CMS and Morias, and I'm sure plenty of fans will agree. Morias has proved he knows where the goal is, and CMS showed glimpses of his old self, and I don't think it'll be long before we see that long awaited 100th Posh goal for a player who is already seen as a legend in these parts.

Posh didn't seem to miss the likes of Michael Bostwick and Chris Forrester, which is definitely a huge positive. When we get that duo back, the strength in depth in the squad will be outstanding, and we could be well placed to have a crack at the playoffs, after all.

I still think it's a big ask, but we're not actually that far behind the teams in the playoffs after yesterdays results. Next Saturday's game at home to Sheffield United is all set up to be an absolute cracker.

Final Score: Port Vale 0-3 Posh

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Pre-Match Thoughts - Port Vale

Now the drama of the transfer window is gone, Posh can finally concentrate fully on their return to form (hopefully) in League One, starting on Saturday at Port Vale

Port Vale

Michael Brown took over from Bruno Ribeiro earlier on in the season and is unbeaten at Vale Park so far. He's made a number of changes to the squad, including allowing Anthony Grant to join the Posh on deadline day.

He lost Jak Alnwick, brother of Ben, and brought in Leo Fasan on loan from Celtic. He's also added young QPR midfielders Axel Prohouly and Olamide Shodipo to his ranks on loan, whilst experienced midfielder/defender Danny Pugh joined on a permanent deal from Blackpool.

It's always a battle at Vale Park, and I wouldn't expect this game to be any different. In general, teams leave there knowing they've been in a game, whether they won or not. As of late, the Valliants have been in good form, especially at home, and will be well aware of Posh's recent run of poor results.

Posh

It must have come as a relief to everyone at the club when the window closed. There's always a huge amount of speculation surrounding our players in January, and it looked as though a few heads were turned. But as it is, we didn't sell any of our main assets, so everyone can knuckle down again and start to work towards improving our form.

Andrew Hughes may not be fit for the game, so Jerome Binnom-Williams could continue at left back. Michael Bostwick is out for a month, so I'd expect Dominic Ball to come in for him. I imagine Anthony Grant will start at the home of his former club, possibly replacing Leo Da Silva Lopes. Gwion Edwards could also be in with a shout of starting, following an indifferent display from Martin Samuelsen last week. Craig Mackail-Smith joined on deadline day, but I think he will have to settle for a place amongst the substitutes at this moment in time.

Posh have a number of midfield and forward options, and Grant McCann must be considering changes after the horror show against MK Dons.

Predicted line up (click image to enlarge): 

Subs: Tyler, Hughes, Da Silva Lopes, Samuelsen, Angol, Taylor, Mackail-Smith

Prediction: Port Vale 1-1 Posh - As previously stated, Michael Brown is unbeaten at Vale Park so far, and it's always a battle. I think it'd take a hugely improved performance from Posh to come away with a win, so I'm predicting a draw this week. 

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