For sure it's a proud time to be associated with Posh. An inexperienced manager has blown his critics out of the water, the players have been sensational and the fans, away from home in particular, have been simply awesome.

The only shame after a nerve-jangling 1-0 win at promotion rivals Hereford was the absence, in body anyway, of the man who has made so many dreams come true.

In 18 months chairman Darragh MacAnthony has become the biggest of Posh heroes. Bigger than Bly, Charlery, Robson and Turner as his wealth, ambition, bold decision-making and sheer good sense have inspired the most exciting season since the extraordinary goal-grabbing days of the early 1960s.

He wasn't at Edgar Street (there is another promotion campaign to fund next season after all), but you can be sure he kicked every ball.

He would have willed Chris Whelpdale to send over the perfect right-wing cross just before the half-hour and he would have demanded that Dean Keates would fly through the air to convert a spectacular diving header.

It was a stunning goal that capped a stunning season full of thrilling football.

Posh are blessed to have so many gifted and entertaining individual players and they may also have unearthed a real gem of a manager.

This reporter's eyebrows were raised higher than most when news of Darren Ferguson's appointment broke, but as well as being a thoroughly decent bloke, he has proven astute, brave and ruthless enough to seal a promotion in his first full season.

"I know a lot of people were surprised when I got the job," Ferguson said. "But to be fair I've never received anything but total backing from the boardroom, the players and the fans so I hope some of that faith has been re-paid.

"I will never be able to change my surname, but I will be my own man. I'm the proudest man alive today, but I'm just as pleased for everyone connected with the club."

There was simply too much tension in both camps for this game to be a classic, but there was enough good football on show in driving rain to keep bums firmly on the edge of seats.

Tommy Williams replaced injury-victim Jamie Day and he led an early Posh charge with two thrilling bursts and crosses.

George Boyd flashed a shot just wide before Hereford's star man Gary Hooper managed to take the ball around Joe Lewis, but too far away from goal to score.

Keates then scored, Adam Newton promptly survived a penalty appeal after dumping Hooper on his backside and Boyd saw another fierce shot deflected wide.

Hereford started the second half in blistering fashion with Clint Easton forcing a full-length save from Lewis, but the Posh back four held out with Williams in particular impressing with his all-round game.

Posh were lively on the break as Craig Mackail-Smith's pace and Aaron Mclean's aerial ability were always a threat, while there was never a thought given to protect the lead as men bombed forward on every break enabling Hereford to produce the odd dangerous counter attack.

Steve Guinan was thwarted by Lewis after receiving far too much time and space on the edge of the penalty area and Mackail-Smith was denied by home keeper Wayne Brown after another powerful run had taken the Posh forward clear.

That was a smart save, but nothing compared to the one Lewis produced 10 minutes from time.

Hereford full-back Trent McClenahan appeared both optimistic and deranged to fire a 30-yard free-kick straight at goal, but his aim was true and fierce only for Lewis to get a fingertip to the ball and send it over the bar.