MATCH REACTION: McCann happy, but insists his team can play much better

Posh midfielder Gwion Edwards (centre) celebrates his winning goal for Posh at Rochdale with Tom Nichols (left) and Andrew Hughes (right). Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Debutant Gwion Edwards, a half-time substitute, took advantage of a goal-keeping clanger to head home a winning goal in the 90th minute.

Posh had trailled twice in the first-half, but equalised through well-taken goals from Marcus Maddison and captain Chris Forrester.

McCann said: “This is a tough place to come to. Not many teams will come to Rochdale and take all three points so obviously I’m delighted with the win.

The Posh management team were happy with the win at Rochdale.

“We didn’t start the best, but we showed great character to battle through a tough period and we then scored three quality goals.

“Some people thought we might struggle to score goals so I’m delighted with that part of the game. Three different goal-scorers is also very pleasing.

“Marcus and Chris showed great movement for their goals, We felt we would trouble their centre-backs with our pace and quick movement and so it proved.

“There is much mnore to come though. We played well in patches, but we didn’t play well enough often enough. We will get better.

“We defended well in the second-half. They come at you with long balls, but we defended them well. We won our headers and made some blocks when we needed them.

“Gwion was impressive when he came on. He gave us more legs and energy and deserved his goal.”

New centre-back Ryan Tafazolli limped out of the match in the first half with a tight hamstring. He’s doubtful for Tuesday’s (August 9) League Cup tie at home to AFC Wimbledon.

Right-back Michael Smith missed the match with a knock.