Player verdicts

CHRISTY PYM

Nothing to do in the first-half, but kept his concentration well to make two crucial secondhalf saves. Handling was impeccable all night.. 8

NATHAN THOMPSON

The right-back was a cult hero at Pompey due to top performances and a strong character. Posh have seen little of the former. He is not the quickest and offers little going forward ........... 5

DAN BUTLER

An erratic display from the left-back who gets in great crossing positions, but doesn’t always deliver. Didn’t look sharp defensively either ..... 5

MARK BEEVERS

Solid enough against limited strikers, but he never looks happy with the ball at his feet which is a worry with the way the boss wants to play . 6

FRANKIE KENT

The ball-playing central defender continues to look fragile when placed under pressure. He gets knocked off the ball too easily ................... 6

NIALL MASON

Didn’t come close to staking a regular claim for the spot at the base of a midfield diamond. Passed poorly and didn’t spot danger as quickly as Louis Reed does in that position ................... 5

ALEX WOODYARD

The right-side of the diamond demands players who are positive and can spot a pass. These are not strengths of Woodyard, who is an honest toiler of a midfielder ......................................... 5

HARRISON BURROWS

The 17 year-old was good before the break. He doesn’t always hit the target with his passing, but at least he usually looks to play positively. Faded in the second-half and substituted ........ 6

MARCUS MADDISON

The playmaker performed in patches, but was still head and shoulders above the rest in terms of creativity. Excellent assist for the second goal when he made an unselfish pass . ..................... 7

IVAN TONEY

Works his socks off for the team and looked unplayable in the opening quarter when he assisted on the opening goal. Became embroiled in too many petty squabbles thereafter ........... 6

MO EISA

Excellent finish from 20 yards to get Posh in front. Then well shackled and team improved when he was replaced by a 17 year-old sub ...... 6

Subs used

JOE WARD (for Burrows, 64 mins) Played on the left of the diamond and struggled. He did hit the post, but he should have scored.. 5

RICKY-JADE JONES (for Eisa, 70 mins)

His pace and ability gave Posh an extra attacking dimension. Took goal well after earlier miss .... 8