POSH REACTION: Westley angry with and embarrassed by Peterborough United's display

Posh boss Graham Westley and his assistant Grant McCann are clearly not impressed with what they are watching against Burton. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Westley kept his players in the dressing room for 40 minutes after a defeat that saw Posh slip to eighth place. Burton are now top of the table, 16 points ahead of Posh having played one fewer game.

Posh have now taken just two points in eight meetings with teams currently in the top five of League One.

Westley said; “That’s the first time since I’ve been here that I’ve had to stand in front of the media and apologise to the fans for the level of ambition and desire my team showed.

Posh midfielder Harry Beautyman battles with Calum Butcher of Burton. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“I have to take it on the chin. I’m trying to build up trust with a fan base and they shouldn’t have to put up with that sort of rubbish.

“People can talk about team changes and new signings, but there was enough ability on that pitch to beat anyone in this division.

“It wasn’t a lack of ability that cost us. It was a lack of desire to get the result we needed.

“It’s fine being a good football team which we are, but life isn’t always a bed of roses. Sometimes the wind blows and conditions are difficult and when that happens you have to adapt,

Posh substitute Lee Angol heads towards the Burton goal. Photo: David Lowndes.

“You have to win headers in both penalty areas. We didn’t and they did.

“You have to win second balls in midfield. We didn’t and they did.

“Burton are top of the league for a reason just like Gillingham were top of the league for a reason.  “I was hoping my players would have learnt what that reason was after the Gillingham game and brought it into the game tonight, but yet again we came up short against a top team.

“Burton have good experienced players who know how to win matches. We need to learn that skill quickly or we will not achieve what we want to achieve this season.

“From 1-11 there was a lack of responsibility to do our jobs. The players didn’t step up to the plate. We lacked the organisation, desire, hunger and appetite and that’s disappointing.

“My preparation between games clearly wasn’t good enough either. We were all inadequate tonight and we will need to put things right quickly.”

Harry Toffolo was substituted just before half-time with a head injury. The initial diagnosis from the club doctor was not too worrying.

Central defender Shaun Brisley has left Posh and joined League Two side Orient.