In focus: Peterborough United match preview

28 January 2021

Take a closer look at the latest stats and facts in our match preview ahead of Town's Sky Bet League One clash with Peterborough United.

Shrewsbury Town welcome third-place Peterborough United to Montgomery Waters Meadow this weekend for another Sky Bet League One fixture. With 43 points on the board, the Posh have had a positive first half of the season as they chase promotion to the Championship.

Darren Ferguson's men are a threat to any team with Jonson Clarke-Harris leading the line as the forward has 13 league goals to his name this term. However, Posh assist man Joe Ward is a doubt for the fixture having missed the last game through injury.

Name: Peterborough United

Nickname: The Posh

Founded: 1934 (87 years ago)

Chairman/owner: Darragh MacAnthony

Biggest win: 9-1 v Barnet, Division Three, 5th September 1998

Biggest loss: 1-8 v Northampton Town, FA Cup 2nd round, 18th December 1946

Highest league finish: 10th, Division One, 1992-93

Read Aaron Wilbraham's thoughts ahead of Town's clash with the Posh...

Interviews 28 January 2021

Aaron Wilbraham previews Town's clash with Peterborough United

The Manager - Darren Ferguson

Ferguson's first taste of football management came in 2007 when the former midfielder hung up the boots to take charge of Peterborough United.

A move to Preston North End came in 2010, but a swift return back to the Weston Homes Stadium came the same year. His second stint in charge lasted for four years.

His next job would be with Doncaster Rovers, but after three years, Ferguson made it a hat-trick of appointments with Posh as he returned for a third spell.

His managerial honours include:

Peterborough United: League Two runners-up: 2007–08, League One runners-up: 2008–09, League One play-offs: 2010–11, Football League Trophy: 2013–14.

Doncaster Rovers: League Two third place: 2016–17

Goalkeeper - Christy Pym

Christy Pym joined the Posh on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Exeter in the summer of 2019.

Prior to this he made 127 appearances in seven years for Exeter having come through their youth system in 2012. Pym was involved in two consecutive League Two play-off final defeats in the 16/17 and 17/18 seasons before making the step up to League One last season. Pym won the Golden Glove in his first season with the Posh.

Defender - Nathan Thompson

Nathan Thompson is a 29-year-old English right-footed centre-back who joined the Posh in 2019.

Prior to this he spent nine years at Swindon Town where he made 167 appearances - winning the club's Player of the Year award twice in consecutive seasons.

In 2017 he moved to Portsmouth and scored his first goal in the 2019 EFL Trophy final against Sunderland which Portsmouth won on penalties. Since joining Peterborough, he has made 19 appearances in all competitions and was named vice-captain of the club for the current season.

Midfielder - Joe Ward

25-year-old right midfielder/winger, Joe Ward, is entering his third year with the Posh.

Ward started his career at Chelmsford City, featuring in the youth sides before several loan spells which led him to National League club Woking.

Ward was signed by Peterborough in 2018 from Woking as he impressed against the Posh in the second round of The FA Cup in 2017 - scoring the equaliser as Woking took the tie to a replay.

Last season, Ward made 36 appearances in all competitions which included a 1-0 victory at home to Burton in November where he netted the winner.

Forward - Jonson Clarke-Harris

Jonson Clarke-Harris is a 26-year-old striker who has joined the Posh for an undisclosed fee this summer from fellow League One side Bristol Rovers.

This will be his second spell at the club after joining from Coventry City back in 2012, but the striker didn't make a first team appearance before he was sold to Oldham in 2013.

Last season, after signing for Bristol Rovers in January 2019, he made 35 appearances - scoring 16 times. This came after eight goals in a month the season before in March 2019 which helped Rovers to stay in the division and led to him being named League One Player of the Month.

League stats panel:

Officials:

Referee: Kevin Johnson
Assistants: Richard Bartlett and Marvyn Amphlett
Fourth Official: Sam Allison

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Match Reports

Aaron Wilbraham reflects on Town's win over Peterborough United

30 January 2021

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Post Peterborough United | Aaron Wilbraham [IN FULL]

Aaron Wilbraham reflects on Town's 2-0 win over Peterborough United.

Shrewsbury Town's first home game of 2021 ended with the Shrews securing all three points over high-flying Peterborough United.

Harry Chapman's second-half goals were the difference between the two teams as Salop earned a deserved win over the Posh.

Town's Assistant Manager, Aaron Wilbraham, was thrilled with the win and felt Town were more than deserving of the points.

On the result and performance:

"This result shows you how far the team have come since the Gaffer came in. He's got them very organised and I think the lads wanted to put this result right after the previous fixture earlier in the season. They did well and we are delighted with the clean sheet.

"The front two were a part of that. Shaun Whalley continuously ran in behind and sprinted back to shield the ball when needed. I don't think you will find any two forwards who would put in an honest performance as well as those two.

"Nathanael was unbelievable on his debut. He's only trained with us for a few days but he was excellent. You could see that he was always an outlet for us, he never panics on the ball and he's very composed. You can tell that he's been at a club like Manchester City."

On the goals and chances:

"We had a number of good chances and we counter-pressed very well. We got the ball back quickly whenever we lost it. Vela and Norburn were excellent as well but I don't want to single anyone out. It was such a complete team performance.

"Our decision-making at times could have been better and maybe we should have had a few more goals but you can't complain at a good 2-0 victory."

On injury absences:

"Matthew fell on his shoulder awkwardly in training on Tuesday. It's disappointing for Matthew because he's such a great lad and he's been great around the place. He's an excellent trainer and talker so we are gutted for him.

"Leon did some running on his day off and felt his hamstring. He's had a scan and it's looking like it could be a couple of weeks."

Ticket News

Match passes: Peterborough United

25 January 2021

Match passes are now available to purchase for Town's Sky Bet League One clash with Peterborough United.

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