New-look Peterborough off to winning start

Posted Sunday, August 05, 2018 by PA

Peterborough got their League One campaign off to a winning start thanks to a 2-1 triumph over Bristol Rovers.

Two of the nine debutants to feature in Steve Evans’ new-look starting line-up – another three later arrived as substitutes – provided the goals in the first half at the ABAX Stadium.

Former Stevenage frontman Matt Godden opened his account for the club inside the first minute with a fine header from Jason Naismith’s terrific cross from the right.

And the advantage doubled in the 26th minute with another headed goal as towering ex-Dundee midfielder Mark O’Hara classily steered in a delivery from left-back Colin Daniel.

Posh rarely threatened further goals but did enough to pocket the points as Rovers, who included just the two new signings in Ed Upson and Alex Rodman, made a losing start for the sixth successive season.

Liam Sercombe was denied by a last-ditch Ryan Tafazolli block early in the second half before Rovers finished on the attack during four minutes of stoppage time.

Captain Tom Lockyer halved their arrears when nodding in a Chris Lines corner from close range but the final whistle rescued Posh as they held on.