POSH REACTION: Some bright beginnings, many dreadful endings

But it all went horribly wrong after the break and a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 defeat to make it one point from the last seven League One matches.

Posh showed a lack of leadership and gumption when things started to unravel which is reflected in the Peterborough Telegraph’s player marks.

Stuart Moore: Beaten three times and barely another shot to save. Kicked the ball out of play too often and maybe the understanding with an ever-changing defence just isn’t there at the moment 6

Michael Smith: All three Port Vale goals came from his side of the defence and there could have been others. Some slipshod marking and let too many crosses come into the danger area. Little impact going forward 5.

Jack Baldwin: He made numerous interceptions of the many crosses that came into the Posh penalty area and played with great commitment, but he picked up a needless booking for a foul in the opposition half and his passing is erratic 6

Michael Bostwick: Stood firmest of all the back four as the pressure increased throughout the second-half, making blocks, tackles and winning headers. But he should have been the one urging the team to play higher up the pitch 7

Harry Toffolo: Great start to the game from a player who is a gifted attacking full-back. Set up the opening goal and was a threat throughout the first period. Not so effective in the second half, but he stuck to his task defensively despite marking issues 6

Simon Gillett: Disappointing after such an encouraging debut at Wigan. Hardly seen on the ball and the game completely passed him by, particularly in the last 20 minutes when he just appeared to be marking space 5

Chris Forrester: Good to see him back. He was understandably not at his best, but generally kept hold of the ball and tried to start some attacks. Tired in the second-half and was substituted when Posh were still 2-1 ahead 6

Jon Taylor: Took his early goal well and put in a terrificly athletic shift before the break. Like most of his team-mates could hardly get a kick in the second half 6

Marcus Maddison: Enjoyed some good moments, but Posh didn’t get him on the ball enough, especially as he had an immoble full-back marking him for most of the game. Hit his free kicks with accuracy, but not with the pace to get past the goalkeeper 6

Tom Nichols: His brightest Posh display yet. Linked up play well, helped set up the early goal, involved in most promising moves. A surprise to see him taken off ahead of others midway through the second-half 7

Aaron Williams: A fine opportunistic strike delivered a first Football League goal. He should probably have scored in the opening five minutes. Plays with plenty of hustle and bustle, but he’s very raw 6

Substitutes:

Lee Angol: (for Nichols, 74 mins)

Adil Nabi: (for Forrester, 76 mins).

Jordan Nicholson: (for Williams, 82 mins).

Erhun Oztumer: (not used).

Dion-Curtis Henry: (not used).

Gaby Zakuani: (not used).

Shaquile Coulthirst: (not used).