The sell-out League One encounter against the Yorkshire giants was viewed as the first big policing test of this season, with the kick-off brought forward to noon in a bid to prevent drink-fuelled hooliganism.

Saturday shoppers were amazed to see a blanket police operation involving dozens of officers on the ground, many carrying their riot gear, police dog units and mounted police, which were drafted in from the City of London force.

The police helicopter also kept an eye in the sky on milling crowds to ensure a swift reaction if any trouble broke out.

British Transport Police also helped ensure fans got on and off trains without scuffles.

But the huge police presence ensured Posh's 2-0 victory on the field wasn't the only success of the day, with almost 4,200 away fans shepherded in and out of the city virtually without incident.

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Superintendent Tom Mackinnon, who led the police operation, said there had been "minimal disruption" and only seven matchday arrests for drunkenness and minor public order offences.

He said: "There were no notable incidents of disorder either before or after the game.

"I would like to thank Peterborough United Football Club and the British Transport Police for their help with this successful policing operation."

The Evening Telegraph revealed in June how police and Posh officials agreed to the earlier kick-off for the Leeds clash along with two other major fixtures this season.

It was seen as a potentially volatile match, largely because of the sheer number of travelling supporters expected and their past record for hooliganism.

Leeds fans made up nearly a third of the biggest attendance seen at London Road for 14 years, but the matchday security operation was equal to the challenge.

Fans arriving in the city on early trains were greeted at the station by officers with video cameras on the lookout for known troublemakers.

Many supporters were then escorted to a handful of designated pubs, including the Draper's Arms, in Cowgate, the Cherry Tree, in Oundle Road, and the Swiss Cottage, in Grove Street, before being led to the ground prior to kick-off.

Once the match had finished, police fanned out to potential troublespots, such as Cathedral Square, where several riot vans were waiting as fans were shepherded through.

Pubs and bars across the city were also warned to let only regulars through their doors for the rest of the afternoon.

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