Opponents admit Rovers unlucky not to triumph

Dec 1 2008 by Nick Hilton, Liverpool Daily Post

Opponents admit Rovers unlucky not to triumph

THEY share a reputation for telling it straight as managers so perhaps it is not surprising that Darren Ferguson does not disguise his professional regard for Ronnie Moore.

Peterborough’s young manager admitted his team scrambled into the draw of the FA Cup third round by good fortune on Saturday. “We are lucky to be in the Cup,” Ferguson declared unprompted.

“Tranmere should have won. Credit to them. They played very well and should be in the next round.”

Ferguson has met with little else but success since taking the reins at London Road. Backed by the wealth of young Irish property tycoon Darragh MacAnthony the Posh won promotion as League Two runners-up under the young manager last season and they surged into the League One play-off zone this term on the back of 14 unbeaten games. But Moore’s men made Peterborough look second best on two visits to London Road in just over two months. And on each occasion Rovers set Ferguson’s team tactical problems they could not overcome.

Moore’s men had the better of the League One encounter in September – a 2-2 draw – by playing an attacking formation that punched holes in the Posh back-line.

This time Tranmere deployed a more cautious 4-5-1 system. But the effect was the same – without the drama of any goals.

The visitors dominated the first half with neat, cohesive passing football. The midfield players, with Antony Kay and Steve Jennings to the fore worked effectively in providing support for lone front-man Bas Savage. Peterborough’s midfield quartet, who were initially deployed in a narrow diamond formation, were outmanoeuvred. The home crowd quickly became subdued, taking the edge off the Cup tie atmosphere.

Ferguson was obliged to change the shape of Peterborough’s midfield midway through the first half. “It does not really matter what formation you have when players are not passing the ball well,” Ferguson said. “Tranmere got control of the game and we had to change.”

The problem for the visitors was their failure to take advantage when on top. They missed a couple of clear-cut chances in the first half and several more opportunities slipped through their fingers.

Joe Lewis, Peterborough’s England under-21s international goalkeeper, made a couple of important saves from Ian Moore and Gareth Edds before the break and made a crucial stop late on from substitute Terry Gornell.

The missed opportunities ensured Tranmere had to endure some nervous moments in the second half when the home side inevitably raised their game.

Rovers were less inclined to push players forward after the interval.