Peterborough United players rediscover their ruthless streak to brush aside League One promotion rivals in an EFL Trophy tie

Ferguson was speaking after a 5-1 Papa John’s Trophy tie win over third tier promotion rivals Portsmouth at the Weston Homes Stadium.

The result needs to be treated with extreme caution as Posh fielded a strong side, while Portsmouth made 10 changes to their starting line-up from a weekend FA Cup defeat at Bristol City.

But Ferguson got what he wanted from the game, namely a win, a good performance and vital minutes into the legs of players who had played one competitive match in the previous 27 days.

Ferguson said: “I’m delighted with the result and the performance. We always take this competition very seriously and it was no different tonight.

“We played well, we scored some very good goals, my two strikers scored, my two central midfielders scored and we have got rid of one of our main rivals for the Trophy.

“I needed to get minutes into the legs of many players and we achieved that. The attitude of all the players including the substitutes was excellent.

“The one blip was conceding late on, but it was a hell of a goal to be fair.

“We didn’t start the game very well, but once we scored we settled down and played pretty well. We pressed well and we created chances. I said we weren’t ruthless enough at Lincoln on Satirday, but we were tonight and that’s how it must be now for the rest of the season. It’s been a very pleasing night.”

Joe Ward played his first 45 minutes since a knee operation six weeks ago and is in contention for another start in Saturday’s League One match with MK Dons at the Weston Homes Stadium (January 16).

Posh’s promotion rivals Charlton Athletic, who visit the Weston Homes Stadium next Tuesday (January 19), were held to a 4-4 draw at home by Rochdale tonight. Dale led 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2.

Charlton are seventh, level on points with Posh, but two places lower and having played two more games.