In a game of fluctuating fortunes Posh trailed 1-0, but led 2-1 and 3-2 before securing a 4-3 win with a brilliantly taken last-gasp penalty from Ricky-Jade Jones.
There was however a clear man-of-the-match as winger Abraham Odoh bagged a first-half hat-trick and was also brought down for the match-winning penalty.
Ratings Key: 10-Out of this world, 9-Outstanding, 8-Very Good, 7-Good, 6-Okay, 5-Poor, 4-Stinker.
9. KWAME POKU
He's still not back to his best, but he still oozes quality. Two first-half assists when playing on the right wing. Ineffective in the second-half including a stint as the number 10 until his late substitution - 7. Photo: Darren Wiles
10. ABRAHAM ODOH
On Saturday he was a guilty man after missing an open goal, but boy how he made amends in Crawley. Three excellent first-time finishes and, after a quiet second-half, he woke up to win Posh an injury time penalty which proved to be decisive - 9. Photo: David Lowndes
11. RICKY-JADE JONES
Nerves of steel to convert a last-minute winning penalty so emphatically. He deserved his magical moment for a hard-running display which included some excellent pieces of hold-up play. Had a hand in the first Posh goal and his speed and pressing won the corner that led to the second one - 7. Photo: Darren Wiles
12. JADEL KATONGO (sub for Hughes, 63 mins)
One nervy moment when he was almost caught in possession in his own penalty area, but the central defender seemed better suited to this style of striker than Hughes and played pretty well - 7. Photo: Joe Dent