League 1 - Peterborough vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[Frosty]

Peterborough United vs Ipswich Town



Saturday 22nd April 2023 – 15:00


London Road








Pre-Match Thoughts - Mike



I'm not sure the old Heart can take too many more nights like the One Tuesday evening against a stubborn and ugly Port Vale side, whoever said a promotion push season would be enjoyable needs to be committed, that was just not enjoyable in any way, shape or form. I had said to people prior to the game that I care not how bad we play, how crap the game is and how or when we score just as long as we win and get the points, that will teach me as we all went through pretty much every emotion imaginable.

Once the dust had settled though we had got the job done and another Three precious points were in the bag, what we lacked in quality we more than made up for in determination, grit and a never say die attitude which ultimately saw us over the line. the first half was frustrating to say the least and I suppose a bit of an after the lord mayor's show type of performance, a repeat of the Charlton game was never likely although I must confess I didn't see it being quite as awkward s it turned out to be, we just couldn't get into our stride or any type of rhythm at all, too many players struggling to find their form and once we fell behind it didn't look good, the only glimmer of hope was that we were more than capable of a massive improvement on the opening Forty Five minutes, and so it proved.

The Second half was a big improvement and getting the equalising goal so early gave us plenty of time to salvage the situation, it was a superb finish from an otherwise average Nathan Broadhead, his quality in that One moment clear for all to see as he cut in from the wide position to meet Wes Burns pinpoint cross and flicked it home with some aplomb. The goal not only galvanised the players but the very tentative crowd too as you could feel the tension around the stadium all night.

Once level Town carved out numerous chances but very few were on target, Luongo twice, Chaplin, Burns, Woolfenden and Broadhead all sending efforts high or wide, very little was troubling the Town defence at the other end. time was quickly ebbing away and it seemed like it was not to be Town's night but right when we needed a moment of brilliance or a turn of good fortune Harry Clarke popped up with a cross which hits a defenders hand, there is a pause before the referee points to the spot and the ground erupts in anticipation. Once everything had calmed down realisation sunk in that we still had to score the damn thing, Conor Chaplin & Broadhead both seemed to want the ball, thankfully on this occasion Broadhead won the day as we all know how poor Chappers is from the spot, the tension was immense as the Port vale players tried everything in their power to unsettle the penalty taker, I think a good few of us were convinced we were going to miss it, except that is for the man taking the vital kick, and what a penalty it was, no way was that being saved by anyone and the place just erupted.

We still had the small matter of Five or so minutes plus an eternity of added time to negotiate before victory was confirmed but thankfully we did that with little danger to our goal. The relief at the final whistle was unlike anything I have felt this season and with news filtering through that both our rivals had won the victory was even more crucial. Seeing the Manager and players punching the air and celebrating shows just what it means to everyone, they have a never say die attitude which will hopefully see us over the line.

The next seven days are crucial as we visit both Peterborough Utd & Barnsley, Two teams who both currently occupy play off places, Barnsley are hoping for more but it is now looking a long shot while Posh have teams snapping at their heels so we know both teams will be looking for wins against us which hopefully works in our favour, First up it's Peterborough which I have to say is the game I have been nervous about for a good few weeks, even more so than Barnsley if I am honest, I just haven't had a good feel about this One for some reason, I can't stand the club, the owner or the chairman and with the prize so big now it really is a massive game.

We need eight points from the remaining Four games and that will see us up, of course that is the worst case scenario if Sheff Wednesday win their last Three which is far from a given so a win at either London Road or Oakwell would be massive. we are every bit good enough to do it and they will both fear us every bit as much as we fear them, again at our best we can beat them both, we won't be coming up against the negative tripe the likes of Port vale dish up most weeks and I just hope it plays into our hands, being away from home may also be to our liking for a couple of games as the expectation at Portman road nowadays is something else. Nulify the threat of Clarke-Harris and you are half way there, it promises to be a corker and a nervy one at that, we've lost Four games all season, we should be confident and positive, the dream is getting nearer, it's in our hands, it is time to be brave and fearless, I don't think they will let us down. COYB'S




The Opposition – Peterborough United - Honours


League

Football League One
Runners up: 2008–09, 2020–21
Play-off Winners: 1991–92, 2010–11

Football League Two
Winners: 1960–61, 1973–74
Runners-up: 1990–91, 2007–08
Play-off Winners: 1999–2000

Midland League
Winners: 1939–40, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60
Runners up: 1953–54

Cups

FA Cup
Quarter Final – 1964–65

Football League Cup
Semi-final – 1965–66

Football League Trophy
Winners : 2013–14





The Manager – Darren Ferguson









League Table as at 19.04.2023









Form Guide




1 Apr Peterborough 0 - 0 Oxford Utd

7 Apr Shrewsbury 0 - 3 Peterborough

10 Apr Peterborough 3 - 1 Exeter City

15 Apr Cambridge Utd 2 - 0 Peterborough

18 Apr Accrington 1 - 2 Peterborough




Ipswich Town



1 Apr Derby County 0 - 2 Ipswich Town

7 Apr Ipswich Town 4 - 0 Wycombe

10 Apr Cheltenham 1 - 1 Ipswich Town

15 Apr Ipswich Town 6 - 0 Charlton

18 Apr Ipswich Town 2 - 1 Port Vale





Head to Head









Match Referee – Gavin Ward







PETERBOROUGH UNITED 1 IPSWICH TOWN 2

[JohnnyB]

I know it's ridiculous but I can't help thinking:

We win = champions
We draw = autos
We lose = playoffs

I voted for a draw. But i think both sides will go for it and any outcome is possible. Big game, small margins. Could be a mistake or moment of brilliance that makes the difference - both sides are capable of either.

[shabba]

I know it's ridiculous but I can't help thinking:

We win = champions
We draw = autos
We lose = playoffs

I voted for a draw. But i think both sides will go for it and any outcome is possible. Big game, small margins. Could be a mistake or moment of brilliance that makes the difference - both sides are capable of either.

I personally see it that we need 3 wins from this last 4 (any order) to get autos.

[JohnnyB]

I know it's ridiculous but I can't help thinking:

We win = champions
We draw = autos
We lose = playoffs

I voted for a draw. But i think both sides will go for it and any outcome is possible. Big game, small margins. Could be a mistake or moment of brilliance that makes the difference - both sides are capable of either.

I personally see it that we need 3 wins from this last 4 (any order) to get autos.

I think we are uncatchable on 8 points (2 draws and 2 wins) unless SW win all their three remaining games 6-0 or something....

But 9 would be nice. 12 would be even nicer...

[marko69]

Nice preview, and also see this game as a proper banana skin fixture. Bit of a bogey team for ITFC, last Decembers result aside. Only won 4 with the Posh sitting with 9 wins. Goes a long way to explaining why Shed hasn’t witnessed a win v them. (Although historically ITFC being light years ahead of them would go a long way in explaining that)

Hopefully the clean sheet trend can return and its a sneaky 1 or 2 nil win in this. Won’t be easy. Defence will need to be switched on from the off as they’ll record a handful+ shots on target.
Predict 0-1.

A very hopeful Ref / Darren Fergie caption.

Ref: “Look at those Ipswich fans bounce, Darren.”
DF: (picture ——>> speechless)

Stadium picture caption:

Commentator (announcer for Saint Spidey)
“And as you can see, all “the Posh” people in Peterborough are now in the stand ready for kick-off.”

[Charnwood]

I don’t see how past performance really has much impact on Saturdays outcome however if you look at the most recent fixtures it suggests a really close game. Since we dropped to League One we’ve played them 3 times at their place with the outcomes all square with 1 win 1 draw and 1 defeat.

What makes Saturdays game so much more challenging is that both teams are separately involved in a 3 horse race where there can only be two winners.

Ourselves(88) with Plymouth(89) and Sheffield Wednesday(87) competing for 2 automatic promotion places whilst Peterborough(73), Bolton(72) and Derby(72) are fighting for 2 play off places.

A defeat for either side could have disastrous consequences which makes for a real pressure game. One stat that leans to our advantage, Peterborough have lost 5 home games so far whereas Town have only lost 3 away.

Maybe both sides should strike a deal and be happy to take the draw.

However you look at it, it looks like one of the most important League One fixtures of the season.

I’ll go for the draw as I fear neither side will be prepared to take the risks involved in going all out for the win.

Peterborough 0-0 ITFC

[arana peligrosa]

Nice preview, and also see this game as a proper banana skin fixture. Bit of a bogey team for ITFC, last Decembers result aside. Only won 4 with the Posh sitting with 9 wins. Goes a long way to explaining why Shed hasn’t witnessed a win v them. (Although historically ITFC being light years ahead of them would go a long way in explaining that)

Hopefully the clean sheet trend can return and its a sneaky 1 or 2 nil win in this. Won’t be easy. Defence will need to be switched on from the off as they’ll record a handful+ shots on target.
Predict 0-1.

A very hopeful Ref / Darren Fergie caption.

Ref: “Look at those Ipswich fans bounce, Darren.”
DF: (picture ——>> speechless)

Stadium picture caption:

Commentator (announcer for Saint Spidey)
“And as you can see, all “the Posh” people in Peterborough are now in the stand ready for kick-off.”

By all account Peterborough is about as posh as Katie Price's hymen but we'll let it rest. Voted to draw. This'll be tough and no mistake. Don't think we'll lose but not win either.

All right we got to conceivably win every game that's left but there's going to be at least one further stumbling block before the finish. In all truth if that's got to be the way then rather it were with this than the Barnsley event. Other scores this weekend will be pivotal.

Peterborough 1 ITFC 1

[marko69]

However you look at it, it looks like one of the most important League One fixtures of the season.

Yep……. You guys on the same page…….

From the preview:
“First up it's Peterborough which I have to say is the game I have been nervous about for a good few weeks, even more so than Barnsley if I am honest.”

Will be a brilliant away win if it comes to fruition.

[Mauswara]

I don't see Peterborough to be a bigger threat than were either Derby or Bolton recently.

0-2

[JohnnyB]

However you look at it, it looks like one of the most important League One fixtures of the season.

Yep……. You guys on the same page…….

From the preview:
“First up it's Peterborough which I have to say is the game I have been nervous about for a good few weeks, even more so than Barnsley if I am honest.”

Will be a brilliant away win if it comes to fruition.

Big time!

The more I think about the Barnsley game, the less I worry. They are, bar a miracle, heading for the playoffs and won't want a) injuries b) to face Town there. P'boro a different kettle of fish... they need three points. But that could play into our hands

[Shed on tour]

Can see goals in this game as both teams are a threat going forward. Last time I went to Posh it ended up 2-2 and wouldn’t be surprised if tomorrow it ends up the same. If so then it is possible we will be back 3rd in the table tomorrow night and the game against Barnsley on Tuesday night will become even more important.

Peterborough 2 Town 2

[Charnwood]

However you look at it, it looks like one of the most important League One fixtures of the season.

Yep……. You guys on the same page…….

From the preview:
“First up it's Peterborough which I have to say is the game I have been nervous about for a good few weeks, even more so than Barnsley if I am honest.”

Will be a brilliant away win if it comes to fruition.

Big time!

The more I think about the Barnsley game, the less I worry. They are, bar a miracle, heading for the playoffs and won't want a) injuries b) to face Town there. P'boro a different kettle of fish... they need three points. But that could play into our hands

As it stands Barnsley are guaranteed 4th place even if they lose each of their remaining games. If the play offs were their goal they could rotate their squad over their remaining games to keep them well rested, however they can still qualify for one of the automatic places with 94 points and won’t give up until it’s mathematically impossible.

Peterborough however are definitely a different kettle of fish as they could easily drop out of the play offs, and with Ipswich and Barnsley as their opponents in two of their remaining three games they don’t have the easiest of run ins.

The situation above just adds to the importance of the this game.

[Charnwood]

Can see goals in this game as both teams are a threat going forward. Last time I went to Posh it ended up 2-2 and wouldn’t be surprised if tomorrow it ends up the same. If so then it is possible we will be back 3rd in the table tomorrow night and the game against Barnsley on Tuesday night will become even more important.

Peterborough 2 Town 2

Whilst a draw would probably suit us (not as much as a win), it’s absolutely no use to Peterborough United as it would most likely see them drop out of the Play-Off zone down to 7th and still have to travel to Barnsley on the final day of the season.

[Shed on tour]

Yep……. You guys on the same page…….

From the preview:
“First up it's Peterborough which I have to say is the game I have been nervous about for a good few weeks, even more so than Barnsley if I am honest.”

Will be a brilliant away win if it comes to fruition.

Big time!

The more I think about the Barnsley game, the less I worry. They are, bar a miracle, heading for the playoffs and won't want a) injuries b) to face Town there. P'boro a different kettle of fish... they need three points. But that could play into our hands

As it stands Barnsley are guaranteed 4th place even if they lose each of their remaining games. If the play offs were their goal they could rotate their squad over their remaining games to keep them well rested, however they can still qualify for one of the automatic places with 94 points and won’t give up until it’s mathematically impossible.

Peterborough however are definitely a different kettle of fish as they could easily drop out of the play offs, and with Ipswich and Barnsley as their opponents in two of their remaining three games they don’t have the easiest of run ins.

The situation above just adds to the importance of the this game.

Still think this is going down to the last game. Will be a interesting day if it does with Barnsley v Peterborough, Wednesday v Derby and us at Fleetwood. Goal difference could still be a big factor.

[Charnwood]

… and Plymouth away at Port Vale which could be a banana skin for them if they play as they did against us on Tuesday night.

[hallamblue]

4 points from these next two games snd I think Weds will find it hard to overhaul us . Plymouth promoted as far as I’m concerned .

[Bluemike]

… and Plymouth away at Port Vale which could be a banana skin for them if they play as they did against us on Tuesday night.

Port Vale already won at Plymouth too.

[number 9]

I think there will be a few goals in this match. It should be pretty open, I think. Hoping for the win, but feeling a draw.

[Charnwood]

… and Plymouth away at Port Vale which could be a banana skin for them if they play as they did against us on Tuesday night.

Port Vale already won at Plymouth too.

Well there you go Mike, Port Vale can be the only team to do the double over Plymouth. I can see the headline already !

[Dazzz67]

Especially as Port Vale are dangerously close to the bottom and may still need a positive result then, also Derby wanting a playoff place. Fleetwood have nothing to play for, could be the better option.

Back to this game, nice write up gents btw, id love a win but thinking this will be a draw....2 - 2.

COYB!!

[Bluemike]

I'm really not confident on this one and haven't been for some time, you just sense we are due a defeat and these tossers often seem to have the Indian sign over us, we seldom do well at these tatty little grounds either, add in their current good form and need to win and I just don't fancy this one.

[Dazzz67]

well if we win Mike this could be a 'sign' that this year could be the one lol.

Really hope the Hooters balls up this weekend.

[arana peligrosa]

four games remain and viewed what's available. If the team takes victories from both Peterborough and Tykes we'll 95 per cent get a promotion. Don't want to chance it by awarding a full probability but those two games alone, six points should be enough.

Don't wish to leave a trip to Fleetwood on the final week deciding the whole season's effort. Home game with Exeter in between in theory should award three points. The final two games just seem tailor made for us. If we don't lose our nerve and realize the importance of what's at stake we should be able to see it through.

[lucy]

Anyone else feeling nervous about today

[lucy]

I'm really not confident on this one and haven't been for some time, you just sense we are due a defeat and these tossers often seem to have the Indian sign over us, we seldom do well at these tatty little grounds either, add in their current good form and need to win and I just don't fancy this one.

I'm nervous as heck today so I'll agree with you

[marko69]

The final two games just seem tailor made for us. If we don't lose our nerve and realize the importance of what's at stake we should be able to see it through.

Totally.

Hope the lads are 100% “on it” today. Three points are HUGE.

[LizinSpain]

Anyone else feeling nervous about today

I've been feeling sick with nerves for the last 4 weeks!! Last time I felt like this was the home play off game against West Ham and I threw up as soon as I got off the train and left the station. May of got a bit of sick on a policemans shoes who came over to see if I was OK!!!

[marko69]

Anyone else feeling nervous about today

I've been feeling sick with nerves for the last 4 weeks!! Last time I felt like this was the home play off game against West Ham and I threw up as soon as I got off the train and left the station. May of got a bit of sick on a policemans shoes who came over to see if I was OK!!!

Might’ve been the train food, Liz.

[patthegimp]

3-0 Town. On top form no-one in this division can live with us.

[Charnwood]

I’ve been in the nervy camp all week worrying about our chances but today especially after Tuesdays comeback I’m feeling a little more confident. We just need to keep their goal machine Clarke-Harris under wraps cos they don’t have much to back him up with and if he doesn’t score we could keep a clean sheet. In which case the win leans in our favour.

I’ve revised my prediction from 0-0 to 0-2 to Town.