Peterborough United continued their warm-up for the new campaign with a 3-1 victory over Hucknall Town on Wednesday evening as Darren Ferguson gave the majority of his squad another 45-minute run-out.

After a goal-less first half, Posh stepped up a gear in the final third during the second period and opened the scoring midway through the half when Gavin Strachan slotted home from close-range after good work from Josh Low on the left.

Chris Whelpdale, a summer signing from Billericay, then superbly volleyed home the second, taking the ball down on his chest before firing a left-foot effort past the goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net.

Hucknall pulled a goal back on 84 minutes with a well-taken effort, but Whelpdale restored the two-goal cushion, racing onto a miss-placed pass to coolly slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

Posh had chances throughout the 90 minutes, but were wasteful in front of goal, particularly in the first half when George Boyd, Rene Howe and Alfie Potter failed to find the target, although the latter was impressive on the right hand side of midfield.

Danny Crow missed the clearest opportunity that presented itself in the first 45 minutes, he raced clean through on goal, but as he attempted to take the ball around the goalkeeper, the Hucknall stopper palmed the ball to safety.

Dean Keates went close with a low drive in the second half, while Jamie Day saw a free-kick deflected over the top. The same player also saw a fierce half-volley fly inches past the upright as Posh peppered the hosts goal. Aaron Mclean saw two shots blocked, while the advancing runs of Claude Gnapka caused a few problems for the defence on the right hand side.

Final Score: Hucknall Town 1-3 Posh

Posh 1st half: Jalal, Lee, Branston, Blackett, Newton, Boyd, Gain, Hyde, Potter, Crow, Howe.

Posh 2nd half: Tyler, Lee, Morgan, Gnapka, Day, Whelpdale, Strachan, Keates, Low, Crow (sub Benjamin), Mclean.