PLAYER VERDICTS: Taylor's best game of 2017, Maddison and Bostwick shine as well

Taylor capped a fine individual display with a well-taken goal late in the match.

Marcus Maddison was also impressive on the other Posh flank, while Michael Bostwick was also excellent in midfield, according to the Peterborough Telegraph’s men at the game.

Luke McGee: Handled everything that came his way very well. Good save towards the end to thwart Calvin Andrew. The odd kicking inaccuracy 6.5

Michael Smith: Good attitude throughout, but was still knocked off the ball too easily on a couple of occasions. Didn’t offer a great deal going forward, but then today’s system didn’t require attacking full-backs 6

Andrew Hughes: Rock solid once Mendez-Laing had skipped past him early in the game. Easy second-half for him, even when big, strong Andrew wandered over to his side of the pitch 6

Jack Baldwin: In the thick of the action, and not always in a good way. A well-taken goal capped a first-half display when he might well have conceded a penalty. Two silly cautions after Rochdale had been reduced to nine men led to a late red card. Also involved in Rochdale’s second red card 5.5

Ryan Tafazolli: One of his easiest matches for a long while. A couple of casual moments in possession in the second-half, but generally very sound 6.5

Michael Bostwick: He’s a man who leads by example. Threw himself into numerous challenges with gusto. Didn’t always emerge with the ball, but broke up plenty of Rochdale attacks. Passed the ball pretty well also including one delightful first-half chip which set Paul Taylor free 7.5

Leo Da Silva Lopes: Set up the second Posh goal with a neat pass and much better than of late even if he hasn’t quite eradicated some of his sloppy moments 6.5

Brad Inman: Came on stronger as the game progressed. Terrific assist for Taylor’s late goal and might have had a goal or two himself 6.5

Marcus Maddison: A constant threat wide on the right. Created the opening goal as well as other chances that were not taken. Denied a goal he deserved by a superb second-half save 7.5

Paul Taylor: Apart from a 15-minute second half spell when he lost his way against nine men, this was his best effort for a while. Very lively display throughout, saw plenty of the ball and delivered accurate passes and crosses aplenty. Took his volleyed goal very well 8

Tom Nichols: A classy finish to make it two goals in two games for the top scorer and generally linked up well the support midfielders. Good to see him leave the field to cheers towards the end of the game 7

Substitutes

Craig Mackail-Smith: (for Da Silva Lopes, 63 mins)

Junior Morias: (for Nichols, 86 mins).

Lee Angol: (not used).

Callum Chettle: (not used).

Mark Tyler: (not used).

Jerome Binnom-Williams: (not used).

Martin Samuelsen: (not used).