After the midweek loss to Holbeach, FC Peterborough were looking for a positive reaction against fourth-placed Diss Town. FCP missed out on a fifth successive win and a chance to stay among the play-off places, partly due to some questionable officiating that cost us a penalty at both ends of the pitch. However, despite a thin squad for this match, FCP soldiered on and delivered a polished performance, renewing belief and expectations.

Early Exchanges

In the first 10 minutes, both sides applied pressure around the penalty area. The major talking point was a wild challenge by a Diss Town player in the 9th minute. Although the player was shown a yellow card for the reckless slide and heavy contact, on another day it could have been deemed excessive force and resulted in a red card.

Diss Town’s first chance came from a corner. FCP struggled to clear the ball, and a right-footed shot whizzed across the goal, narrowly missing the target.

Diss Town 0-1 FC Peterborough

In the 26th minute, a high ball on the edge of the centre circle was acrobatically flicked forward by Zahid to Dev, in what could only be described as a martial arts-style move. Dev guided the header to Derick on the right wing. Derick beat the left-back with ease and, as he approached the penalty area, there was a moment of uncertainty—was it a shot or a cross? Either way, the ball sailed over the keeper and into the back of the net, giving FCP the lead.

Diss Town 0-2 FC Peterborough

In the 34th minute, Diss Town created another good chance from a corner. The cross was a little high for the first attacker, but the ball fell nicely for a clean volley, which was struck over the bar for a goal kick. A few minutes later, Mario found himself surrounded by four Diss Town players 27 yards out. He managed to squeeze a pass to Micky on the right, who crossed for Derick to pull off a Bruce Lee-style scissor kick, scoring from the penalty spot. The goalkeeper could only parry the ball into the net.

Half-Time: Diss Town 0-2 FC Peterborough

Soltan had a great chance to make it 3-0 with a header from a corner, but he couldn’t get a good connection. Diss Town immediately broke down the right but couldn’t capitalise. A ball behind the FCP defence was easily collected by Shaz. Diss Town were relieved to hear the half-time whistle as they struggled in the rain and looked lethargic. Some strong words were likely shared by their coaching staff during the break.

Diss Town 1-2 FC Peterborough

Out of nowhere, Diss Town found a goal due to a defensive mistake. Mario, famous for his chest control, tried to hook a clearance but only succeeded in sending it forward into the path of an opposition attacker. Clean through on goal, the Diss Town player slotted it in to reduce the deficit in the 55th minute. Just a couple of minutes later, Micky delivered a perfect cross, which landed a few yards from the goal line. Despite several players attacking the ball, no one could get a touch.

Diss Town 2-2 FC Peterborough

After a strong but fair challenge, Diss Town won the ball in their own half and launched a long ball over the top. It resulted in a simple lay-off to an unmarked player, and after a quick interchange of passes, the ball was in the back of the net to make it 2-2. FCP now faced a real battle. The goal was entirely preventable, as the defence left the centre-back to mark two attackers, and the team couldn’t react quickly enough to the danger.

Diss Town 2-3 FC Peterborough

Immediately from the restart, Diss Town appealed for an FCP player to be sent off for a challenge, but the incident took place within clear sight of the referee, and play continued. FCP’s third goal began with a Diss Town cross into the box. Shaz made a strong save, pushing the ball out to start a potential 6v3 counter-attack. Despite some initial lack of control, the ball ended up with Derick, who beat his man, creating a 3v2 situation. He carried the ball into the box and calmly shot across goal to complete his hat-trick. A superb individual performance!

Diss Town 2-4 FC Peterborough

From the restart, a strong challenge by Diss Town right in front of the bench earned them a yellow card. The home side was rattled, and things worsened when FCP added to the score in the 82nd minute. Derick, having a field day, scored yet another goal, heading in unchallenged from a corner.

Diss Town 2-5 FC Peterborough

FCP were now in complete control, and Diss Town conceded another goal within five minutes. Good play down the left resulted in a cross that found Mo, who had lost his marker and finished with a simple left-footed strike from close range. Diss Town’s indiscipline caught up with them as Charlie Webb received a second yellow card after the restart, reducing the home side to 10 men. Even the Diss Town bench had to be spoken to by the referee, and the crowd voiced their frustration with the day’s proceedings.

FCP now look ahead to a string of home games in the next 10 fixtures. With hopes of staying near the top of the table, we enter the new year with optimism, ready to take on whatever challenges the season brings. As Alex Ferguson might say, “Squeaky Bum Time!” Perhaps a little early for that, though!

Goals
Derick x4
Momodou x1

Green Army MOTM
Derick

Match Report by Bash