Managers laud magic Maddison

Posted Sunday, March 03, 2019 by PA

Rival bosses Darren Ferguson and Gareth Ainsworth dished out the plaudits for star man Marcus Maddison.

The Peterborough talent created two goals and hit the other two in a 4-2 triumph over Wycombe that left his side outside the play-off zone only on goal difference.

Maddison was the architect as Matt Godden returned to form with an early brace to put Posh in command before a Ryan Tafazolli own goal handed Wycombe a lifeline.

A magnificent Maddison free-kick was then followed by another gifted goal for the visitors, as Wycombe captain Matt Bloomfield struck in his 500th career appearance.

But Posh settled the issue midway through the second half when Maddison provided a fine finish to a slick breakaway as Wycombe crashed to fourth consecutive defeat.

Ferguson said: “Two assists, two goals – that’s the quality Marcus has got. He was unplayable at times and if we can get him performing at that level consistently we will have a real player.

“He’s not a kid anymore and has been here a long time. He has not had a promotion yet, but we want to get him to the Championship.

“I’m delighted to see Matt back scoring goals again as well. He was low on confidence when I arrived, but he has a smile back on his face now.

“It was all about winning and we did that to start the process of addressing our home form.

“We were outstanding for the first 15 minutes and that’s how I want to see us playing on the front foot.

“We caused Wycombe all sorts of problems when we were able to pass the ball and no red cards was a bonus after what we’ve been through lately!”

Wycombe boss Ainsworth knew that the opening 10 minutes had cost his side.

“We were horrendous for the opening 10 minutes and that’s the story of the game,” he said.

“We more than matched a team sitting in seventh place for 80 minutes but you can’t expect to get anything when starting as poorly as we did.”

Ainsworth also knew how much Maddison had hurt his men.

“We have to be more solid against teams blessed with players of the quality of someone like Maddison. He’s been tipped to go right to the top and you can see why,” he said.

“Peterborough have a real diamond there, but we gave him too much space and allowed him to hurt us.

“We did have a plan to deal with him, but it obviously didn’t work as we made too many defensive errors.

“We don’t vilify our players in public, though. I’ve lost, the kit man has lost, the players have lost and the fans have lost – we stick together at Wycombe.”