Peterborough United 2 - 0 Preston North End: Peterborough see off Preston to reach FA Cup fourth round

Posted Sunday, January 10, 2016 by PA

Peterborough ended their eight-year wait for a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup by sinking boss Graham Westley's former club Preston 2-0.

Loan star Martin Samuelsen set the League One promotion hopefuls on their way to a Championship scalp with an early breakthrough.

The Norwegian talent fired a fierce low drive past debutant North End goalkeeper Chris Kirkland from 25 yards in the sixth minute.

And once-capped England international Kirkland was beaten again seven minutes into the second half when Conor Washington doubled Posh's lead.

Washington steered in a fine header from Michael Smith's right-wing cross and it could be a farewell present to Posh with chairman Darragh MacAnthony having already turned down bids from Championship clubs for a striker who has scored 13 times in 14 games.

Posh were reliant on a fine save from Ben Alnwick to deny Eoin Doyle within a minute of doubling their lead before defender Michael Smith cleared a Tom Clarke headed off the line.

Sub Jordan Hugill also steered a glorious headed chance straight at Alnwick late on as Simon Grayson's men bowed out.