Brighton 2 Posh 4

Posh took all three points on offer at the Withdean Stadium with an emphatic win that took them back to third place in League One

With the game having fallen victim to the snow and ice last Tuesday it was pleasing to discover that the heavy rain that has soaked the south of England hadn`t resulted in the pitch at the Withdean Stadium being declared unplayable.

For the fixture, Darren Ferguson gave a Posh debut to the loan star from Manchester United, James Chester, at the heart of the defence but our other loan signing, Lee Frecklington, had to be content with a place on the bench. There was also a place on the bench for the striker signed from non-league football, Ben Wright.

With five minutes gone the Brighton keeper, Sullivan, was force dot make the first real save of the night from a George Boyd shot. Keates, with a free kick, was next to try his luck but to no avail.

Charlie Lee received an early yellow card for a foul on Forster as both sides battled for that breakthrough. Joe Lewis was then forced to save a shot from Davies. With fifteen minutes gone, the home side were having the greater share of the possession without creating any serious chances.

The home side forced a couple of corners in quick succession but the Posh defence coped admirably. But, with twenty-five minutes on the clock the home side got the reward their pressure probably deserved. Lewis saved from Andrew but Davies was on hand to score from close range.

Was this to turn out to be another poor Tuesday evening performance from Posh?

Posh tried to instigate an immediate response but Sullivan, in the Brighton goal, easily claimed McLean`s cross. The Brighton goal seemed to spur Posh on a little as the visitors were now enjoying more possession. However Brighton continued to look dangerous and Zakuani and Chester were both forced into making decent clearances.

Thankfully, with thirty-eight minutes gone, Posh equalized when top scorer, Craig Mackail-Smith headed home a Coutts cross. Four minutes before half time Posh took the lead. Sullivan saved from Boyd but McLean was able to drill home a shot from inside the area.

Unfortunately, Posh couldn`t hold out to half time and into first half stoppage time McNulty put the home side level. Four goals in the first half, was this going to be another Cheltenham away?

Neither manager made any changes for the start of the second half. Fouls broke up the play in the early stages of the second half but Lewis had to remain alert to claim a Carole free kick. Seconds later Lewis had to repeat the feat. Pushing forward, Boyd saw a shot go wide of the upright.

Mackail-Smith then headed over as Posh looked to regain the lead. Brighton continued to look dangerous and Andrew fired over from close range. In the sixty-third minute Posh took the lead again when the referee, Mr Linnington, awarded us a penalty after Virgo fouled Boyd. Keates made no mistake with the spot kick.

With twenty minutes to go Darren Ferguson replaced Batt with Whelpdale as Posh south to hang onto the lead. With fifteen minutes to go Posh opened up a two goal lead courtesy of McLean after Sullivan had saved a shot from Mackail-Smith.

With ten minutes to go Boyd shot wide and Posh looked to be comfortable. Thankfully there were no major scares and Lee Frecklington even made a posh debut with one minute to go.

Three more points and Yeovil at home this Saturday.

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