After two successive defeats against Premier League opponents, Darren Ferguson's side finally found their feet at London Road on Saturday after what has up to now been a far from auspicious pre-season campaign.

Heavy losses against Aston Villa and Spurs in the past week meant a positive result against the Cottagers was high on the manager's wish list as he looks to steel his side for the challenges which await them in the Championship.

And despite struggling again at times to match the pace and technical ability of top-flight opponents, Posh recovered sufficient composure after going three goals down to get the job done.

First-half Fulham goals came from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora (2) but a revitalised Posh stole the second-half honours thanks to strikes by Aaron Mclean and a double from the impressive George Boyd.

And while Fulham boss Roy Hodgson may have been somewhat begrudging in his praise of Posh after watching them turn the tables on his side, Fergie took an altogether more balanced view of the afternoon's proceedings.

"Roy may feel that they let us back into it after they went three goals up and we were pretty awful in the first half," he said.

"But to be fair to us all Joe Lewis had to do was pick the ball out of the net and we made a couple of mistakes which led to their goals

"We were a bit lethargic and it looked like a few of them were feeling a bit sorry for themselves. I let the players know that at half-time and we got the response we were looking for.

"George Boyd came on and made a difference with his quality. He gave us a lot more threat when we needed it and he took his goals well.

"It was an important result for us confidence-wise as we have just come off the back of two heavy defeats against top-flight teams.

"But the result is not the main thing with these games and I am pleased overall with where we are with the season approaching. Our fitness is pretty good and I am happy that they will be ready and up for it by the time the season starts."

Ferguson would not have been happy with his side's first-half display however.



After a bright start which saw efforts from Shaun Batt and Charlie Lee whistle wide, Fulham decided to flex their own muscles with a move which very nearly led to the opener.

Zoltan Gera's excellent through ball looked destined to be met by Hull target Zamora and Lewis had to react smartly to dash off his line and head away the danger.

But it was only a temporary reprieve as minutes later the visitors did take the lead after Dempsey exchanged passes with Dickson Etuhu on the edge of the area before sending a vicious drive into the back of the net. Continues on next page