Peter Till came in for the injured Peter Bore on the right side of midfield.Gary Jones started the game on the bench as Town went with a 4-5-1 formation.

Former Town defender Ben Futcher was included in the Posh side.

It turned out to be a game of missed chances and defensive mistakes that cost the Mariners against promotion hopefuls Peterborough.

There was an early scare for Town after just five minutes. Bolland's pass was cut out and Mackail-Smith broke into the box but Justin Whittle was there to snuff out the danger.

On 23 minutes, after good harassing by the Town midfield, Boshell put Danny North through. With players in support, the youngster fired high over the crossbar.

And Peterborough had their first effort on goal on 29 minutes as Strachan's miss-hit shot went wide.

Boshell fed Hunt, who released Ciaran Toner down the left, the Irishman came inside and his curling shot was deflected agonisingly past the far post.

From the resulting corner Tom Newey fired over the bar.

Toner played a good ball inside the Peterborough defence for Newey who took the ball towards goal but was clearly pulled back in the area but the referee pointed for a corner.

Half-Time: Town 0 Peterborough 0

No changes at the start of the second half by either side.

With just 34 seconds on the clock, the visitors were ahead. Fenton was caught in possession and Boyd nipped in to firs past Barnes

Almost immediately, North had a chance to put Town level. The youngster broke into the Posh box before attempting to lift the ball over Tyler, but the keeper managed to back pedal and keep his effort out.

Grand replaced Fenton and Boshell made way for Jones as the Mariners switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

North had another chance on 54 minutes but his snapshot scraped the post and went wide.

And on the hour Town should have levelled. After some good work on the right by North, his cross found Jones at the far post. You'd have put money on the bid striker tucking the chance away but close range shot hit the side netting.

Andy Taylor replaced Peter Till, Taylor joined Jones up front with North going out wide right.

Mackail -Smith found himself one on one with Justin Whittle. The nippy striker went round the Town centre back, but there was not getting away from Mr reliable as he got back and dispossessed the player.

Taylor had a great chance to equalise. Through on goal, the youngster took the ball too wide and the chance was lost.

The Posh doubled their lead on 73 minutes. Grand committed a foul on the left and, when the free kick came in an unmarked White easily headed past Barnes.

Have Your Say