‘The fact that a draw felt like defeat is huge’

all move on. That was a frustrating goal to concede and furthermore, it’s one Town have been good at defending against this season – so doubly annoying.

Firstly, there was the game situation. Town have generally been very good at gaining a lead and keeping it this season, that defensive solidity has helped enormously.

Even when they have been pulled back against Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers they have still found a way to win.

Away wins are few and far between. That they couldn’t see this one out hurts. The fact it was from a drifted ball into a packed box even more so. There was no actual single huge mistake here, just a series of irritations. The goal comes from Town losing it on the edge of their own box after Scott High had a chance to clear. Ollie Turton doesn’t react quickly enough to close the ball down. Levi Colwill’s inexperience costs him in the physical battle with the striker. Nicholls gets two hands on the ball. On another night one of those things doesn’t happen and the header stays out.

None of these are excuses, but they are reasons.

No team goes a season without conceding, this was a difficult one due to the rivalry, the game situation, and the annoyance of seeing things that have been all but eliminated. It’s all very forgivable but it was nice to get that off our collective chests. player this season. The thing is O’Brien is almost revelling in this now – if anything it’s driving him.

He was tenacious, all action, and the heart of that midfield even more so when Hogg was forced off at halftime.

Peterborough tried the aforementioned tactic to slow him down, plus a few more things besides. Jack Taylor’s man-marking job didn’t really work as he couldn’t go stride-forstride with him over 90 minutes, and bringing Joe Ward over to double up didn’t do much either as it left space for Holmes and Harry Toffolo first half hence why most of Town’s moves came from that side.

New contract in the bag, back near his best, and causing problems tactically before a ball has been kicked, this is the Lewis O’Brien we know and love.

When Lewis O’Brien plays well, Town play well. He is all-action, the heart of midfield