Peterborough 0 – 1 Barnsley – Match Analysis

Another three points for the super reds as they remain unbeaten after four games in League One.

A superb but deflected strike from man of the match Vickers was enough the seal victory as Barnsley showed bits of everything during this one.

At times Barnsley were dominant and creating chances and, on another day, would and should have had more than their solitary goal. At other times Peterborough were on the front foot and the reds had to show great resilience to keep them out, something missing under previous managers, so Hourihane must take enormous credit for that.

He must also take credit for the players brought in this summer who have certainly improved us.

Cooper in goal was excellent again and looks like the type of number one that we needed all last season.

Defensively, despite this clean sheet, I still have some worries, but we must remember Roberts and De Gevigney will come into contention as the right sided centre back when they are fit, which is probably our area of weakness.

At right back Watson is beginning to look the part, and Bland has proved to be an able deputy both at right back and in midfield.

Ogbeta looks good at left back and Earl was also solid. Shepherd is a slight worry on the ball at the moment. It is a big step up from league two and despite fans saying he should be recalled last season, he looks as though he will be fourth choice centre back when everyone is fit unless there is some improvement.

In midfield Connell (despite one error which could have been costly) and Kelly were excellent. Both provide energy, that passing ability and were willing to get stuck in. I feel that will be the partnership for the majority of the season with Russell, Yoganathan and Bland as backup.

Phillips was also excellent in the number ten and popping up on the right with Vickers occasionally moving central from the right-hand side.

Vickers caused problems all night and already looks as though he may have a future at a higher level, which wouldn’t have necessarily been in the thoughts of many given his numbers return for Mansfield last season.

McGoldrick, despite missing two glorious chances, was again excellent and has made a massive difference to us as a team. He holds it up, brings others in to play, can still run the channels and press. The type of centre forward every team needs.

That now brings me on to Keillor-Dunn who was poor last night. And my question is, and it seems one that I never thought that I would ask, would we be a better team without him in it?

I know, it seems absurd to ask given his goals last season but at the moment I do think the team would look better with Cleary on the left and DKD on the bench.

Having said that, it is far too premature to drop him and Hourihane needs to find a way to get the best out of him with the system we are playing.

It is clear that DKD is also frustrated at the moment as he is even taking it out on his teammate when he makes a poor pass.

It certainly is a problem to solve but very minor when you consider our overall performances and most importantly results.

COYR