But no, Darren Ferguson was still in charge, even after receiving the dreaded vote of confidence from his chairman on the day of the match, and his players responded to his request to put on a dazzling show for a live television audience.

He probably didn't have in mind a 90-minute mix of horror and comedy as well as quality football, but the broadest smiles after this 5-4 thriller were worn by those representing Sky Sports. They will surely return to London Road, but it's a moot point as to whether or not the defenders on show will also come back.

Ferguson was pretty downbeat despite overseeing just a second win of the season courtesy of Craig Mackail-Smith's blistering hat-trick. He was pleased with three points and Mackail-Smith's magnificent contribution, but he will not be fooled into thinking a repeat of this performance would help his ambition of a second successive promotion.

Four times Posh led by two goals and on each occasion Bristol Rovers hit back swiftly. It's a sad state of affairs when a team moves 5-3 ahead with seven minutes remaining and still can't be sure of victory.

Indeed Posh goalkeeper Joe Lewis, a much-maligned character in the eyes of some home fans, arguably made as big a contribution as Mackail-Smith. Three times he came out on top in one-on-one situations with Rovers' forwards.

Ferguson said: "We can't get away with defending like that. I turned to Rooster Russell (his assistant) at 3-1 and told him I still didn't feel safe.

"We just give away so many bad goals. Aaron Mclean was done at the far post for the first goal, the second was just a joke as they had no-one in the penalty area and yet we put the ball in the net for them and the third was poor from our point of view as well.

"I'll give them the fourth goal from a quality strike, but we certainly have plenty to work on."

It's highly likely that the Chris Westwood and Shane Blackett central defensive partnership will be replaced at Northampton next weekend, but the former played when less than 100 per cent fit, while the latter may well prove to be a better left-back in the long-term.

Blackett's own goal was a brain storm although it's unclear whether or not Lewis or any of his other team-mates had told him he was marking fresh air rather than an opponent.

Ironically Rovers' in-form strikers Rickie Lambert and Darryl Duffy were ineffective all game until Lambert curled home a late free-kick, but runners from midfield and speedy substitute Jo Kuffour all caused problems.

Lewis twice denied Kuffour, the first time when the striker might well have won a penalty if he'd gone down, and also frustrated Jeff Hughes in the first-half following a slip by Westwood.

Hughes also struck the base of a post before tapping in from close range to start one of Rovers' numerous fight-backs.

Posh had started brightly with Mackail-Smith and Mclean creating goals for each other in the opening 23 minutes.

Mclean's bad injury following a mid-air collision with David Pipe and an awkward landing just before the break unsettled Posh, but appeared to inspire his strike partner who set about tackling Rovers on his own.

He won a fortunate penalty from Aaron Lescott (a much more clear-cut spot-kick was denied in the final moments) which he converted himself and then claimed a glorious third with a dribble and left-foot shot Mackail-Smith himself described as 'Boydesque'.

Scott Rendell also netted with a close-range header following a marvellous cross from fellow sub Chris Whelpdale, but such are the high standards at London Road these days, it was the defending rather than the attacking which provoked most post-match comment.

Entertaining it most certainly was, a performance from a side tipped to win promotion it most certainly was not.

NEXT PAGE: Match facts, the ratings and how the goals went in