Peterborough struggle past Ipswich to rise up to third in the league

Despite not having a shot on target, Peterborough were able to overcome a weakened Ipswich side in a tough game at Portman Road. The game finished 1-0 as an own goal scored by Mark McGuiness settled the game.

Ipswich came into the game with disappointing team news as both Kayden Jackson and James Norwood were ruled out due to injuries. Another blow came for the home side when new signing Josh Harrop tested positive for Covid-19, ruling out his debut for at least another ten days.

In a half with chances few and far between, both teams were equally struggling to find the back of the net. The golden chance came for Peterborough in the 33^rd minute as the away side were handed a penalty. Jonson Clarke-Harris will be disappointed he couldn’t add to his impressive goal tally this season as he missed the penalty for Peterborough.

Toto Nsiala scythed down Siriki Dembele in the box just as he was set to pull the trigger and after consulting with the linesman, referee Anthony Coggins gave a penalty to the visitors. After a short-lived debate between the Ipswich players and the referee, Clarke-Harris stepped up for his penalty opting to go for power. This was a poor decision from Peterborough’s top goalscorer who blazed the penalty over, much to the relief of Ipswich and Nsiala.

Image: East Anglian Daily Times
Toto Nsiala debates penalty decision with the referee after the game

The scoreline remained level up until the 69^th minute when Peterborough took the lead. A low cross was whipped in from deep by wing-back Dan Butler and with all the time in the world Irishman Mark McGuiness sliced his clearance, with the ball spinning off the defenders boot and into his own goal.

Although Ipswich gave everything to try and equalise, including throwing goalkeeper Tomas Holy up for the last corner of the game, they just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Ipswich drop to ninth in the table after their loss and means that their game at home to Sunderland on Tuesday will be even more important if they stand any hope of pushing promotion this season.

Peterborough push up to third in the table with their third league win in a row, they remain unbeaten in six with this victory. Posh have a game in hand over league leaders Hull as they host a struggling Bristol Rovers side midweek.

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