PLAYER VERDICTS: Brave Bostwick was in commanding form

Posh striker Craig Mackail-Smith goes up against former Posh defender Nat Knight-Percival of Bradford City. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh were beaten 1-0 in their League One fixture at Bradford City when they were again far better defensively than they were going forward.

Luke McGee: Manager blamed him for the only goal, but he was hardly helped by an awkward bounce of the ball just in front of him. Kept having to kick under pressure and on a pitch like this one, that was asking for trouble 6

Michael Smith: A steady display. The odd difficult moment against a pair of tricky wingers, but the odds were with defenders on a tough surface and the Northern Irishman held his own 6

Posh right-back Michael Smith is dejected at the final whistle at Bradford City. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Andrew Hughes: Was partly culpable for the City goal. He did well to win possession on the edge of his own penalty area, but failed to clear it and was then caught out of position. That was a shame as he defended solidly otherwise 6.5

Michael Bostwick: His attitude and commitment could do with rubbing off on to other players. Strong defensively, apart from a rash tackle that led to his ninth yellow card of the season, and almost grabbed a late equaliser with a brave header 8

Ryan Tafazolli: He’s a very calm, unflappable defender. Struck too many inaccurate forward passes, but to be fair to him the movement of those in front of him was not the best 7

Anthony Grant: Played okay. A cool and experienced midfielder adept at pinching the ball in tackles. Taken off when Posh were chasing the game midway through the second half 6

Posh winger Marcus Maddison attempts to get the ball past Bradford City full-back James Meredith. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Chris Forrester: Received a big build up from his manager before the game, but he didn’t come anywhere near delivering. Struggled to get on the ball and when he did, he struggled to keep it 5

Marcus Maddison: Lively in the first-half when his set-pieces were a mixed bag. Much quieter in the second-half until a late burst of action. 5.5

Paul Taylor: Some dazzling footwork in confined spaces and some impressive bursts of pace before the break, but his passing was woeful in comparison. Disappeared in the second-half, but still a surprise to see him come off 6

Tom Nichols: Should have equalised early in the second-half when faced with one defender between him and the goal. Disappointing overall 5

Craig Mackail-Smith: If only goals were awarded for work-rate and effort the club legend would get a hat-trick a game. Toiled away manfully and set up Nichols for his sitter 6

Substitutes

Brad Inman: (for Grant, 69 mins)

Junior Morias: (for Taylor, 76 mins)

Martin Samuelsen: (for Nichols, 74 mins).

Mark Tyler: (not used).

Jerome Binnom-Williams: (not used).

Leo Da Silva Lopes: (not used).

Harry Anderson: (not used).