Promotion hopefuls are bent on bouncing back

GRANT McCANN . . . the Posh manager is expecting an instant reply from his side

PETERBOROUGH manager Grant McCann was defeated but defiant after his side's promotion credentials were checked in midweek by Sky Bet League One leaders Scunthorpe at London Road.

Posh had been on a major roll, winning their previous five matches - three in the league - but the Iron were ruthless as Athletic found out at Glanford Park last weekend, winning 2-0 thanks to Kevin van Veen and Neal Bishop.

Posh just about held on to their place in the play-off zone - a point ahead of Wimbledon - but ominously for Athletic, McCann has vowed to bounce back immediately.

'CHANCE'
The Posh boss - who took over from Graham Westley in April - said: "We had to start the first half as we started the second-half.

"We might then have had a chance, but we gave ourselves little chance with the way we played before the break.

"We seemed to lack energy and tempo. We looked lethargic and Scunthorpe showed exactly why they are top of the league. Every one of their players worked their socks off for the team and that's a credit to their manager. It wasn't just one or two of them it was all 11.

"We had a couple of chances for Michael Smith and Tom Nichols after we made a couple of substitutions, but we didn't test their goalkeeper enough. Marcus Maddison sent in some good crosses as well, but we couldn't quite get the right touch on the ball.

"It's always disappointing to lose at home, especially after some good form, but it will be a mini blip. We have bounced back from defeats well this season and I will make sure we do so again.

"If we beat Oldham on Saturday, it will have been a good month for us."

Posh will have to play at Boundary Park without centre-back Jack Baldwin who will serve a one-match suspension after picking up a fifth caution of the season on Tuesday night.

Either Michael Bostwick will be moved back into the back four or Ricardo Santos will get his first start in a League One match this season.