Peterborough United will be motivated by the deep scars from last season’s FA Cup humiliation

Chorley players celebrate their FA Cup win at Posh last season as the home players troop off the pitch.

Peterborough United will use the scars of last season’s FA Cup humiliation as motivation for their third round tie with Bristol Rovers at the Weston Homes Stadium on Saturday (January 8, 3pm).

There are 42 places between Championship side Posh and their opponents from League Two so a home win will be long odds on.

But there were 89 places between Posh and non-league Chorley when the sides met in a second round tie at London Road last season.

And Posh were promptly humbled 2-1 in front of the live TV cameras despite taking a second minute lead through Jack Taylor.

“I only have to think back to last season to make sure we don’t take anything for granted on Saturday,” Posh boss Darren Ferguson said. “Of course we have a great chance to get through because we are playing a League Two side at home.

“But we were hot favourites to beat Chorley and yet we were outplayed and deserved to lose.

“I just want to get through this tie and I don’t care how we do it.

“Reaching the fourth round would be a big financial boost for us and it would do us the world of good confidence-wise.

“Any win in any competition is good for morale and if we can take care of business against Bristol Rovers it would give us a big lift before we take on some very dificult Championship fixtures though. It’s not an easy game anyway. They have good experience in their side particularly in midfield with Paul Coutts and Anthony Evans.”

Posh are likely to field a full strength side given they haven’t played a competitive match since losing 3-1 at Blackpool on December 18.