No nerves, but lots of excitement

Back-in-favour Posh centreback Rhys Bennett is excited rather than nervous as the race for the League One playoffs reaches its climax.

Bennett was outstanding last weekend as Posh beat Gillingham 2-0 at the ABAX stadium. He helped to quash the threat of free-scoring Gills striker Tom Eaves, a former youth teammate at Bolton Wanderers.

Bennett was a late replacement for Ben White and is expected to retain his place for the tough trip to Blackpool on Saturday.

“I know what a tough player Tom Eaves is from our time together at Bolton,” Bennett said. “He’s hard to play against, but myself and Ryan Tafazolli defended well.

“I was just glad to be back in the side, helping the team to a clean sheet and three important points.

“We have another tough game at Blackpool now. They are flying at home, the crowds are back and it should be a great game. We are looking forward to testing ourselves again. This is why we play football. We all want to be involved in great games at the end of a season.

“We are very focused on controlling what we can control. If it turns out to be good enough for a play-off place then great, but it’s not worth worrying about what other teams are doing.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved. Selection is not in my hands obviously and the lads played well without me in the previous game against Southend.

“I’ve enjoyed a good partnership with ‘Taf ’ this season though. It was good to be back playing with him.”

Bennett was signed on a free transfer from Mamsfield by former manager Steve Evans last summer. He’s made 41 appearances this season.

“Playing in great games at the end of a season is why we play football.”

League One top scorers: 1) 22 James Collins (Luton), 2) 19 John Marquis (Doncaster), Tom Eaves (Gillingham), 4) 18 Ian Henderson (Rochdale), 16) 13 Matt Godden (Posh), 17) 12 Ivan Toney.