Peterborough Utd (A) EFL Trophy 3rd round Jan 14 7.45pm

Match Centre 24/25
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“Port Out, Starboard Home” (POSH)

(Folk etymology, origin uncertain)

A trip to Peterborough if the weather allows the game to go ahead, for this 3rd round tie of the EFL Trophy, currently known as the Vertu Trophy.

In contrast to our soaraway season, Peterborough are having rather a rough time of it in League One - they lie in 19th place, 5 points above the drop. However it should be noted that they have actually scored more goals (41) than any team in the play-offs … but their problem hinges on the fact that they’ve shipped more than any team in the drop zone (46). Very strange! Current form:

December 14th Crawley (H) Won 4-3
December 20th Stockport County (A) Lost 2-1
December 26th Mansfield Town (H) Lost 0-3
December 29th Barnsley (H) Lost 1-3
January 1st Burton Albion (A) Drew 2-2
January 4th Wrexham (A) Lost 1-0

There are previous connections between the two clubs both on the playing and management sides … their previous managers include John Barnwell and Mick Halsall (caretaker), while Halsall was also on the playing staff for 6 years (1987-93). Lee Tomlin was on their books between 2010 and 2014.

It’s only natural that Mat Sadler’s main aim is to secure promotion out of League 2, so he may well be tempted to rotate his squad for this game. Developments on the Nathan Lowe front may play their part, and perhaps Danny Johnson could be given a more comprehensive run-out than he’s had in League 2 matches. We also have the more recent Nathan on loan from Charlton Athletic who could be given the once-over if he’s match fit. Tommy Simkin could be rested as we have full confidence in master Hornby … etc … etc…

Prediction? Who gives a flying fish? Progress in this competition would be welcome from the financial standpoint if for no other reason, and of course Peterborough don’t really need this diversion bearing in mind their slightly precarious position in League One. Anyway, they’ve won this trophy already (twice), both in 2013/14 and 2023/24.

Let’s say a 1-1 draw, with the Super Saddlers banging home more penalties than the Posh!!

UTS

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The forecast is much better after tomorrow. Warmer, but still dry.

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Be nice to rotate the team and give some minutes to horny , weir , Browne , adomah , Johnson etc

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Full rotate and gyrate for this game, please, Matt.

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Looking forward to this one. Going to bunk off work early and meet up with my brother, who I believe has only ever been to one Saddlers game in his life before! Absolute shocker!
Anyway I expect us to smosh 'em with probably a highly changed starting eleven, but all the usual players ready to come off the bench if needed.
Also anyone got any recommendations for parking and a pre-match pint?

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The lad from Charlton is cup tied so won’t play. Josh Gordon will play some part and I would expect Comley to start with a back 3 of McEntee, Daniels and Weir. Browne will presumably play instead of Barrett …other than that who knows.A win would be nice but if we lose I won’t lose any sleep over it.

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Martin O’Connor and Oztumer, two great players to play for both teams.

Expect rotation but I still want us to win, why not? There are a few coaches going that I know of, might take a few hundred to cheer the boys on.

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Didn’t Scotty Houghton go to Peterborough with O’Connor?

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With promotion certain, we should now prioritise this competition.
This means starting Lowe, Matt, McEntee and Lakin.
Bringing Weir and Browne on after 60 minutes.

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He did yes, I forgot about that. Another great player for us. Loved Houghton, could play with both feet too.

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I would say that was a must, having 1 foot would be a bit of an issue in my eyes…:grin:

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I’m going, have enjoyed these games this season, chance to see some of our more fringe players, who in seasons gone by would be starters.

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I do. 2 wins away from Wembley if we win. Does no one want this?

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Would seriously go for this now, Wembley trip would be the icing on the cake for this season.

Posh having their poorest season in decades, guess they’ve just had a year where they haven’t found a couple of good attackers and they’re only five clear of the bottom four so doubt this competition will be much of a priority.

Could be playing Birmingham again in a potential final aswell. That would be lively to say the least.

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McEntee adds so much strength and skill to our midfield, not to mention his contributions defending corners and free kicks.
Lakin was impressive too against Tranmere, such a pity he didn’t start. Tenacious, yet he has time on the ball to be creative. Once Comley came on against Tranmere our midfield oozed class for this level. The future is bright.

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Pleasure Fair Meadow pay & display directly across London Road from the ground is the closest (it’s where the coaches usually park, is pretty big and not too dear).

Worth a visit to Peterborough on its own, Charters Bar is a CAMRA medal winning Oakham pub on a converted Dutch barge moored near the bridge over the Nene yards away from the ground (to your left heading from the car park and on the same side of the bridge). On the upper deck there’s a Thai restaurant (I believe you can order in the bar too). What’s not to like?

I’ll be frequenting both on Tuesday evening.

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Ferguson is giving this competition priority after being knocked out of the FA cup.
It will be a difficult game for us.

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Ffs does that mean Asps is playing :flushed::flushed::flushed:

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I hope we are too,Wembley would be good.

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A day out at Wembley would be nice for us fans but more than anything I’d like us to do it for the players themselves because these guy deserve something like that. I’d love for these guys to be able to look back at their time with us once their playing career has finished as the very best of times.

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