Go for goals...Shez's orders to go on attack

JOHN SHERIDAN...prepared to take risks

THE shackles are off as Athletic face Peterborough tonight in a crucial clash for John Sheridan's side.

The rearranged fixture at SportsDirect.com Park pits play-off chasing Posh against hosts who have hit only five goals on home soil all season - NINE fewer than any other side in the division.

Only three goals have arrived from open play in a dozen outings for Athletic on their own patch.

Sheridan, who won his first game in charge against Gillingham thanks to Josh Law's free-kick, is promising more forward momentum for tonight's contest (7.45pm kick-off) which will be played out in front of a bumper crowd due to the free tickets initiative.

"We have to be a bit more positive in the opposition half," said Sheridan.

'SCORE'

"We might have to say to ourselves, risk conceding a goal to try to score two or three.

"That is probably the way I am going to look at things. Instead of being really tight, to win games you have to score goals.

"I am going to be more attack-minded and concentrate on scoring goals - not keeping clean sheets.

"I want to play off the front quicker and get up the pitch quicker. If we have to miss the midfield out, so be it."

Sheridan has already pitted his wits against Peterborough manager Grant McCann twice this season. When in charge at Notts County, the Magpies drew 2-2 at home in the second round of the FA Cup before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at London Road.

"Peterborough is a good game for us as they are a really good footballing side," added Sheridan, who is also targeting a big win against Bradford on Saturday.

'RESPECT'

"But I played against them not long ago with Notts County and we gave them two really good games.

"I do respect them. They have some really good players in the side.

"They have players who are good on the ball and going forward, will always create chances.

"We are at home and I expect for us to get at them.

"With two home games coming up I want to get six points.

"I know it is a big ask when you are near the bottom of the league.

"If we beat Peterborough then Saturday's defeat against Shrewsbury won't look so bad.

"We will be going all-out for three points."

Tonight's fixtures -

Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon, ATHLETIC v Peterborough; Sheffield United v Fleetwood.