A view from the stand – Peterborough’s player ratings

Peterborough’s 1-1 draw at Wigan ended their five match losing streak in League One, but means they fall further away from the play offs.

In what was a resilient performance, I assess the individual performances of the players:

Stuart Moore – I watched Moore play at home to Swindon last week and he looked a bit shaky, but he was in fine form at Wigan today. He pulled off a number of saves to keep the scores level and earn Posh a point. The best of those saves coming in the final few minutes, as a snapshot by Will Grigg from eight yards out was stopped superbly by the acrobatic keeper. His display was arguably match saving, as Posh certainly would have been down and out of it if it wasn’t for him. Rating – 9

Jack Baldwin – Playing in an unnatural position of right back, it was clear to see Baldwin struggled to deal with Wigan winger Yannick Wildschut in the first half. The Posh captain for the day was booked early on in the first half for pulling down the Wigan man, and looked shaky and unconfident. Following Gabriel Zakuani’s departure halfway through the second half, Baldwin moved to his natural position at the heart of the defence. Here, he put in a solid display and looked far more assured. He even earned Posh a point, with a terrific last ditch tackle when Will Grigg looked set to score. Rating – 7

Michael Bostwick – Another impressive display from Peterborough’s versatile defender today helped his side earn a point. He made some crunching tackles, vital interceptions, and martialled a defence which has let in a lot of goals recently very well. Good with the ball at his feet as well, he brings a lot to the side when he’s playing, and Posh have missed him a lot in recent weeks. Rating – 8

Gabriel Zakuani – Mr Posh himself always gives 100% when he steps on any football pitch. He may not be the best technically, but you’ve got to work hard to get past him. He did a brilliant job today of marking the inform Will Grigg, and kept him quiet for the 63 minutes he was on the pitch, before being replaced by Andrew Fox. Rating – 7

Michael Smith – Michael Smith put in another solid display, this time at left back. Good at both defending and going forward, the Northern Irishman put in a good shift for 90 minutes. He was switched to right back midway through the second half, where he dealt with the threat of Yannick Wildschut well. He could have opened the scoring early on but his volley was deflected behind. Rating – 7

Simon Gillett – Thrown in at the deep end by Posh boss Graham Westley, Gillett started his first game for Posh just a day after signing for the club. He looked confident though, and understood the job he was expected to do. Good on the ball with a wide array of passing abilities, the Yeovil man looks like a good acquisition for the club. Rating – 7

Erhun Oztumer – The Turkish midfielder struggled to have much of an impact on this game. He looked as calm and composed on the ball as always, but playing against Wigan’s Max Power seemed to much for the little midfielder. He curled one effort way over the bar, before picking up a knock just before half time and was subsequently taken off after 70 minutes. Rating – 6

Harry Beautyman – It’s hard to fault the tireless midfielder for his work ethic, but compared to his standout performance against Swindon last week, he lacked quality. Whether he was overrun in the middle by Wigan’s experienced midfield or not, he struggled to make any real impact on the game. He created a good chance for Maddison early in the second half, but apart from that he was never really in this one. Rating – 6

Jon Taylor – Another player who gives his all for the team, Jon Taylor had a good game at Wigan. He contributed in both halves of the pitch, and looked dangerous every time he came forward with the ball. He should have given Posh the lead in the opening few minutes, but ballooned his shot over the bar. I was very impressed with his fitness levels, as he was the only Posh player I felt never stopped running. Rating – 7

Marcus Maddison – Maddison proved that he is a player who can create something out of nothing with his wonderful free kick to earn Posh a point. When on the ball, he’s a top talent, arguably the best at the club. Many fans voiced their frustrations throughout the game with regards to Maddison’s attitude and work ethic, but few can argue that he’s an excellent player. He looked dangerous throughout the match and arguably should have had two goals, but his one on one was foiled by Wigan’s goalkeeper. Rating – 7

Shaquille Coulthirst – His performance today was an improvement on his display at home to Swindon last weekend, but that wasn’t difficult. He’s quick, and dangerous if let in behind, but his control of the ball, his touch, and his awareness let him down on a regular basis. Yet to find the net since Posh’s 2-2 draw at West Brom, the former Spurs man needs to improve in most aspects of his game if he’s to make it big at the Posh. Rating – 6

 

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