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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