Southend United 0 - 2 Posh, Player Ratings

Two moments of real quality earned Posh a win in what threatened at half-time to turn into a potentially frustrating evening for the Posh. There were some promising individual displays in Peterborough shirts as summarised below.

Starting 11:

Christy Pym:  Caught everything on Tuesday after his spill on Saturday, didn’t have a save to make but was alert to come off his line quickly to deny a Mansom chance and generally kicked well. 6.5

Niall Mason: A better display from the right back, offered more in possession although he did have a few awkward moments when defending 1v1. May be concerned by the arrival of Nathan Thompson. 6

Frazer Blake-Tracy: Many fans were excited when they thought Posh had signed a marauding left back however few expected that person to be FBT. Has been a revelation at left back, was committed in his defensive duties and a threat down the left flank going forwards. His crossing needs to become more consistent. 8

Mark Beevers: The captain is slowly putting his opening day calamity behind him. A couple of shaky moments but generally composed and improving in possession. 6

Frankie Kent: An error free display will build confidence. One would assume greater tests lay in wait for this young centre back. 6

Louis Reed: Excellent at the base of the diamond. His passing was fantastic and it is no surprise that Ferguson is willing to let Woodyard leave as Reed seems perfectly suited to his style of play. 8.5

Josh Knight: Brings lots of energy to the right hand side of the Posh diamond midfield. Tackles strongly, works hard and good enough in possession. 7.5

George Boyd: Having a passer such as Reed at the base of the diamond really helps his game as allows him to take up positions higher up the pitch while occasionally still dropping deep. Quality in possession and far improved out of it, denied a superb goal by the post. 7.5

Marcus Maddison: Perhaps his best performance in the number 10 role. Had license to roam onto either flank, demonstrated his creativity with one excellent chipped pass and change to the game with two excellent assists early in the second half. MOTM 9.5

Mo Eisa: Growing in confidence. Took his goal well, looked a threat and demonstrated an ability to link play which may help explain the seemingly bizarre decision to play him in the number 10 role for the opening two matches. 8

Ivan Toney: Is there nothing this man can’t do? Linked play, tracked back, tackled strongly and won his headers. Capped a superb all round display with a well taken goal. 9

Subs:

Serhat Tasdemir (75): Showed some nice touches in a cameo display. Will struggle to displace Marcus Maddison given his current form but showing signs of being an able deputy.

Siriki Dembele (75): Came on as a central striker and buzzed around the pitch for 15 minutes. Unlucky that the change of formation does not provide him with a natural fit in the side.

Joe Ward (90): Mr consistent has also been unlucky that the midfield diamond does not play to his strengths. No time to influence this match but will look to challenge Josh Knight for the slot on the right hand side of midfield.