Following the postponement of the previously arranged fixture between these two sides, Oldham made admission for this game free of charge. And the the Posh fans that turned up well and truly got what they paid for.
Whilst Oldham didn't cause Posh too many problems at the back, the first half didn't exactly go to plan. Posh's best efforts on goal came from Chris Forrester, Michael Bostwick and Tom Nichols, who all tried their luck from 30+ yards out, and never looked like scoring. Oldham had a game plan - to be physical, and punt the ball as far up the pitch every time they regained possession. In the opening 45 minutes, their plan was paying off. They bullied Posh all over the pitch, and didn't give up any good chances at all. Despite being 23rd in League One, they do have a very good defensive record, and Posh looked like they'd run out of ideas as the game reached the half way mark.
So after 15 minutes of advice from Grant McCann, Posh were going to come out and take the game to Oldham? Yes? ...No. Oldham picked up where they left off and started to test Luke McGee in the Posh goal. And just when you thought this game couldn't get any worse - Oldham were awarded a penalty. No one is completely sure what it was given for, but it was given, and Paul Green scored. Junior Morias entered the frame with 15 minutes to go. Posh needed a reaction, and fast. They didn't get it, McLaughlin made it 2-0 to the relegation candidates, and Posh were dead and buried.
Again this seems to be an example of the Posh players believing their own hype after a win. We went to Swindon, won the match and now the players believe they're too good for this level again. We went to Chelsea and put in a spirited display, and backed that up with the embarrassing 5-1 loss at Bury. Whilst these players get ahead of themselves each time they win, we will be staying in this league. The group of players we have at the moment need to realise that they haven't actually achieved anything yet, and while they haven't achieved anything, their dream moves might not actually be forthcoming.
Grant McCann said he didn't want too many signings in this January transfer window, but to be honest, he might not be left with any choice. Something needs to change, and if this group of players aren't going to be consistent at this level, we need players who will be. We have so many players who are clearly very talented, but for whatever reason, it's just not coming together for Posh at the moment.
We may only be in January, but it'd take one hell of a winning run to get us into the playoffs at this stage.
Final Score: Oldham 2-0 Posh
Follow me on Twitter: @TomLea_
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