PLAYER VERDICTS: A vibrant attacking display sees Peterborough United through

Posh centre back Ryan Tafazolli is about to be stretchered off in the game against Southend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh beat Southend 2-0 at the ABAX Stadium with goals from Gwion Edwards and Marcus Maddison. They were both excellent as were Chris Forrester and Jack Marriott.

Jonathan Bond: One outstanding save in the first-half from a wonderful long-range shot. A comfortable evening otherwise 6.5

Alex Penny: Good comeback after the difficulties of last weekend. Strong in the tackle, won some key headers, passed the ball okay after missing the chance to set Marriott up for a goal early on 7

Posh skipper Jack Baldwin plays the ball out of defence against Southend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Andrew Hughes: Solid and dependable. No-nonsense in the tackle and won his aerial battles 7

Ryan Tafazolli: One superb challenge on his own six yard box to snuff out a dangerous cross. Kept Nile Ranger quiet all night which isn’t always easy. Stretchered off late on 7

Jack Baldwin: A very strong performance at the back for the recalled skipper. 7

Jermaine Anderson: Worked hard in the middle and moved better than in previous appearances, but still rusty in possession. Missed a sitter at 1-0. 6.5

Gwion Edwards opens the scoring for Posh against Southend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Chris Forrester: Very classy at times. More impressive as the game wore on. Encouraging signs from the former skipper. Earned the sponsors’ man-of-the-match 8.5

Gwion Edwards: Cool finish set Posh on the way to victory. A pacy threat all the way up to his substitution. Set up the second goal 8

Marcus Maddison: A very sharp performance. Up for it from the first whistle and always dangerous as a result. Excellent finish with his weaker foot and the standard assist 8

Leo Da Silva Lopes: Enjoyed some fine moments on the ball, He should use his natural speed more often rather than over-complicating matters. Walked off the pitch in the final minutes after Posh had used three substitutes 7

Jack Marriott: Very lively and caused the ponderous Southend centre backs many problems. Denied a goal by a great save. Impressive link up play 8

Substitutes

Ricky Miller: (for Marriott. 74 mins).

Idris Kanu: (for Edwards, 74 mins).

Danny Lloyd: (for Maddison, 77 mins).

Sam Cartwright: (not used).

Conor O’Malley: (not used).

Lewis Freestone: (not used).

Michael Doughty: (not used).