Peterborough United were ponderous at times and good at other times, but Fergie was just happy to blow away some cobwebs in friendly success at Stamford

Posh laboured to a 1-0 victory at a team who play their league football five divisions below them. Brad Rolt scored the only goal of the game at the Zeeco Stadium in the 72nd minute.

Posh beat the Daniels 6-0 in a friendly last summer, but there were mitigating circumstances for a much tighter game. Posh last played as a team on March 7.

“It has been a while since we have had a game,” Ferguson said. “So it was good for the players to get out there and get 45 minutes into their legs. These games are always just about fitness, not getting any injuries and implementing the things we have been working on in training and they came through it fine.

“I did have to raise my voice once or twice which I didn’t expect. We were ponderous at times. We didn’t move the ball quickly enough or wide enough. but they made it difficult on a sticky pitch by just sitting in.

“Brad Rolt is a goalscorer and he took his goal well. I am pleased for him. (New goalkeeper) Dan Gyollai had to make one good save in the second half, but across the 90 minutes, it was quiet for our ‘keepers. Dan is good with the ball at his feet which I like.

“These games can frustrate the hell out of you, but it really is just about keeping things ticking over. There were things we did well and things we need to improve on, but that’s normal at this time of the season.

“I was delighted to be back out there working again though. These players are a pleasure to manage. We worked hard last season on creating a positive, happy environment with plenty of smiling faces and it will be the same this season.”

Stamford are Ferguson’s local club and he is hopeful they have another strong season in 2020-21. The Daniels play in the South East Division of the Northern Premier League.

“They were like us last season in that they had a good chance of promotion snatched away by the virus,” Ferguson added.

“They always look after us here. We played then last season and we will play them next season. I hope they have a great season and we wish them all the best.”

Ferguson fielded a different team in each half today with Dan Butler (slight groin strain) the only senior player to miss out.

Posh play top local non-league side Peterborough Sports in a private friendly on Tuesday (August 4).

Star striker Ivan Toney did not play and won’t unless Posh fail to sell him before the end of August.