PETERBOROUGH UNITED 0 MIDDLESBROUGH 1
FIRST HALF REPORT
ComeOnBoro.com, 28 Nov 2009
Tony McMahon replaced the suspended Rhys Williams at left back, while Gary O'Neil, sidelined with a groin strain meant that Mark Yeates made his first start under strachan.
Defender Exodus Geohagon, known for having a longer throw than Stoke's Rory Delap was handed his debut.
Boro were rattled by Geohagon's throw ins and were consistently failing to match the Posh's work rate during the first ten minutes.
Play was scrappy, Brad Jones's fisted clearances were unconvicing and Boro were not pressing enough.
Highly rated lower league goalkeeper Joe Lewis made comfortable saves from both Leroy Lita and Adam Johnson around the eight minute mark. Johnson and Mark Yeates continued to switch wings.
A two man Boro wall looked nervous as 6'7 Geohagon moved into the box for a Peterborough free kick.
Boro need to stop conceding throw ins and free kicks as Peterborough are dangerous from set pieces.
George Boyd tested Jones with a low shot on 14 minutes.
The first real purposeful attack from Boro as Adam Johnson skipped down the wing to find Leroy Lita who forced a great save from Lewis after 20 minutes.
Johnson went for goal himself after 23 minutes when there were probably better options and shot wide, hitting the side netting.
Good work from Mark Yeates and Dave Kitson released Julio Arca who forced a reactionary dave from Lewis.
Peterborough 0 Boro 1 (Kitson, 27)
GOAL! Dave Kitson pounced on the rebound from Arca's shot and fired the ball into the net!
The goal gave Boro fresh impetus and we began to attack in earnest. A very good finish from David Wheater was unfortunately ruled offside due to Lita's infringement.
A real danger moment for Boro on 39 minutes Brad Jones came too far out of his goal it looked like it could have resulted in a penalty and a red for Jones but he did not allow Aaron Mclean to make contact as Mclean's shot sailed over the bar.
A minute of added time was allocated.
Peterborough were awarded a corner but Johnson was breaking away for a counter attack as the whistle blew for half time.
Boro showed more quality but Peterborough looked willing to work for the full 90 minutes. Geohagon's throw continued to cause us problems but Boro must get a second goal, and a third preferably to kill the game off!
