George Boyd on target as Peterborough United see off Stags in latest friendly

Posh had enjoyed three routine wins over local non-league clubs before today’s match, but they took the step up in class in their stride.

The match was played over two 60-minute periods with Posh securing victory in the opening hour as Dembele converted a spot-kick after he’d been tripped in the area and Boyd delivered a fine finish after a terrific through ball from Harrison Burrows.

George Cooper’s set-pieces caused problems for Mansfield in the first period with Sam Cartwright and Nathan Thompson botgh heading just wide from corners.

Mo Eisa was thwarted by the home goalkeeper and Dembele flashed a fierce shot across goal soon after his goal.

Posh didn’t create so many openings in the second period despite keeping their passing tempo high, but they restricted Mansfield to even fewer opportunities.

First-half goalkeeper Dan Gyollai made one decent stop from a half volley before a fine piece of defending from Mark Beevers ensured one dangerous moment was resisted.

Posh first hour: Gyollai, Cartwright, Thompson, Mason, Ward, Burrows, Boyd, Reed, Eisa, Dembele, Cooper.

Posh second hour: Pym, Beevers, Edwards, Kent, Kanu, Clarke, Taylor, A.Jones, Tasdemir, R.Jones, Rolt.