Sammie Szmodics scored twice for Posh and whilst Sam Hoskins briefly raised hope with a penalty, Jonson Clarke-Harris converted his own spot-kick to seal the deal. Here are our player ratings from London Road...
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Jonathan Mitchell can only watch on as Jonson Clarke-Harris slots his penalty down the middle. Pictures: Pete Norton.
. Jonathan Mitchell
Beaten at his near post when Szmodics opened the scoring before being exposed by his defence as Posh scored their second and third goals. Decent stop from Taylor, but kicking was horribly erratic again and put his own team under pressure... 5
. Michael Harriman
He was not shy in venturing forward but got little joy once in the final third. The opening goal came from his side but he was not at fault and otherwise kept things pretty tight. Excellent block prevented a fourth... 6
. Fraser Horsfall
Troubled by balls over the top for most of the night, none more so than when Szmodics evaded his attention and raced through to score his second, though United's forward would have been offside had Mils held the line... 5.5
. Lloyd Jones
Dragged out of position when United broke the deadlock and then tackled by his own man shortly before the home side retook the lead. Did well against Clarke-Harris, not giving the league's top scorer a sniff from open play... 5
. Joseph Mills
Had a poor night in truth. Regularly exposed by balls over his head and played Szmodics onside when Posh restored their lead. Delivery at the other end of the pitch missed the mark too many times... 4
5. Joseph Mills
Had a poor night in truth. Regularly exposed by balls over his head and played Szmodics onside when Posh restored their lead. Delivery at the other end of the pitch missed the mark too many times... 4
6. Shaun McWilliams
Had a strong first-half when he got in and around the home side and broke up play effectively. But things became ragged after half-time and it all started when he tackled his own team-mate and Posh broke away for the crucial second goal... 5.5
7. Bryn Morris
He was Town's best midfielder on the night. Looked after the ball well - no midfielder on either side had a higher pass accuracy - and he was central to the handful of good moves Cobblers put together. Tested Bursik with an early effort... 6.5
8. Ryan Watson
The ball just wouldn't sit kindly for him as he tried to take aim with a couple of half chances in either half. Limited to bits and pieces in the attacking third... 5