Peterborough United had the best of the chances and shaded possession, but it was Championship side Bristol City who sealed their passage into round two of the Carling Cup at Ashton Gate.

The first opportunity of the game arrived on 13 minutes as Aaron Mclean fired a left-foot shot over the crossbar after Dean Keates tenaciously won the ball in central midfield.

Charlie Lee tested Chris Weale with a swerving effort moments later after patient build-up play from Craig Mackail-Smith. Posh broke the deadlock on the quarter hour and it followed a superb build-up with Russell Martin, Sergio Torres and Craig Mackail-Smith involved, the latter saw his shot blocked and the ball fell kindly for George BOYD who slotted it past Weale with his right-foot.

Lee saw a skidding effort well handled by Weale as Posh continued to show impressive signs going forward. Ivan Sproule sent an audacious lob over the crossbar after finding plenty of room on the right hand side of midfield.

Mclean sent a diving header wide of the target at the other end after Torres did very well by the touch-line to manoeuvre his way past the full-back. An injury to debutant Christian Ribeiro caused plenty of concern and the youth graduate and he was carried off on a stretcher to be replaced by Brian Wilson. There was a six-minute delay.

City responded well after the injury and a deflected effort from McIndoe came inches away from creeping inside the post. Ivan Sproule then saw a low shot smothered by Joe Lewis.

Darren Ferguson's men were exciting on the counter-attack and after a swift move, Torres fired over with his left-foot after a neat exchange of passes involving Mclean and Mackail-Smith.

An astonishing 10 minutes of injury-time was indicated by the fourth official, mainly for the injury to Ribeiro. An excellent first half for Posh and Bristol City will need to improve vastly to cope with the free-flowing football from Ferguson's men.

There was news of the injured right-back Ribeiro at the interval with the youngster taken to hospital with a twisted left knee. Brooker sent a left-foot shot over the bar moments after the break as City tried to get back on level terms.

The Robins levelled the scores on 53 minutes as a flighted cross from McIndoe picked out CAREY at the back post and he sent a looping header over Lewis and into the back of the net.

Mclean was denied an instant response by a fine save from Weale as the rain began to lash down once again at Ashton Gate. Boyd saw a low shot saved by Weale after some impressive twisting and turning on the edge of the area.

Mclean headed a Boyd cross over the box as Posh again began to get on top of this entertaining encounter. Maynard had the ball in the back of the net at the other end after a neat slide-rule pass from Skuse, but the offside flag was up and the goal was disallowed.

The rain was really coming down hard now as fans scuttled back into the stand while Sergio Torres became the first booking for Posh after tugging back Lee Johnson. Mclean was replaced by Scott Rendell as the match entered the final quarter of the game.

Manager Ferguson was sent to the stands by official Mr Taylor after a disagreement with the fourth official and Ferguson only just saw Mackail-Smith drag a shot wide of the far post.

Boyd sent a fizzing shot at goal moments later, but again Weale was equal to it after another slick move from Posh. Lewis made an outstanding save less than 60 seconds later as Maynard was left in space, but he saw his shot smothered. The offside flag should have been forthcoming, but amazingly it wasn't and a corner was signalled.

From that resulting set-piece, City got themselves in front as Carey's header was directed past Lewis by BROOKER from close-range. A bit of an injustice really and one that won't please an irate Ferguson.

Lee Trundle was introduced for the final five minutes as was Liam Hatch who came on for Torres. Mackail-Smith did see a low shot saved as Posh tried in vain to get an equaliser as four minutes of added time was signalled.

Final Score: Bristol City 2-1 Peterborough United

Referee: Mr P Taylor
Attendance: 5,684 (171 Posh fans)