An early goal from transfer-listed striker Aaron Mclean secured a 1-0 Championship win over QPR in Gannon's first match since replacing Mark Cooper as manager.

It was a first win and a first clean sheet for Posh since December, but Gannon instead on handing the credit over to the players.

The new manager introduced a new formation and gave Mclean his first 90-minute run-out since Boxing Day. Three of the four loan players signed by Cooper were left on the substitutes' bench.

Gannon said: "I have a couple of ways I want the team to play and there has been an excellent response from the players.

"I want stability at the back without losing our power up front and for most of the match that's exactly what I got.

"Okay our combinations in possession were not great in the second half, but this won't be an overnight thing and I took many positives from the performance.

"The three central defenders were awesome. the athleticism and endeavour of the wing-backs were outstanding and Aaron Mclean's desire and enthusiasm as well as his goal were impressive.

"There is quality in the side. The goal was very pleasing because we wanted to get George Boyd on the ball because he will make things happen.

"We talked before the game of making sure we kept a clean sheet early on because QPR are the worst team statistically in the second half in the whole division.

"So the early goal was a bonus and the win on the whole very satisfying. It's a good start for us and a confidence boost ahead of some difficult matches."

Posh travel to fourth-placed Cardiff tomorrow before heading to play-off chasing Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Posh closed the gap to safety by two points to nine points with their win and Ipswich's draw at home to Middlesbrough.

Charlie Lee suffered a dead leg in Saturday's win, but is expected to be available for the club's first-ever visit to the new Cardiff City stadium.