Posh boys represent worst draw possible

Nov 27 2008 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

THE FA Cup could not have thrown a more difficult obstacle into Tranmere’s path to the third round than an away tie at Peterborough United this weekend.

When Rovers step out at London Road on Saturday they will be facing a Posh side in intimidating form. While Ronnie Moore’s team were posting an impressive 2-0 win over promotion chasers Scunthorpe on Tuesday, Peterborough were extending their unbeaten run in League One to 14 games, thanks to a 2-2 draw at Swindon Town.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson has presided over a remarkable run of form in the past 11 months, with his team winning 25 and drawing 10 of their 40 Football League matches since January 1. They won promotion as League Two runners-up last May.

Ferguson, the son of Manchester United manager Sir Alex, said: “It’s been a phenomenal run and obviously we want it to carry on for a bit longer yet. Our form throughout the whole year has been incredible.

“We had a long unbeaten run in the second half of last season and we’re doing the same now. There’s no doubt in my mind that winning becomes a habit.

“The club has a winning mentality now and that gives us a lot of confidence going into matches. The secret now is not to think the job is done because it’s far from the case.

“All the teams around us at the top of the table keep winning so we must keep going.”

Ferguson added: “It’s going to be tight all the way to the end of the season. I can’t worry about what other teams are doing, but if we keep our form we are more than capable of finishing in the top two.”

Tranmere came close to defeating Peterborough in a thrilling 2-2 draw at London Road in a League One fixture in September. The home side fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a point.

Rovers will be unable to field new loan signings Mark Wilson and John Johnson in Saturday’s Cup tie. But Ryan Shotton is clear to make the final appearance of his three month loan spell from Stoke City.

Manager Moore says the Premier League club have agreed to release Shotton on a long-term loan to Rovers when the transfer window opens in January.

Moore’s midfield options will be boosted by the return of Steve Jennings, who has completed a two-match suspension.

Moore said: “We know what an important game the cup tie can be for us. The winners will go into the hat with the Premier League big boys on Sunday and dream of what could be.”

Meanwhile Rovers hold a ‘Players Signing Day’ next Monday, December 1, when members of the first team squad and staff will be meeting supporters and signing autographs in the club shop from 4pm to 6pm.