Britt On The Spot

Peterborough United recorded a 4-1 win over Carlisle United at London Road with leading scorer Britt Assombalonga taking his tally for the season to 32 in all competitions with a pair of composed penalty kicks.

Posh created the first opening inside two minutes as a strong run and cross from Lloyd Isgrove picked out Conor Washington, but his volley went just wide of the post with goalkeeper Pickford stranded.

The deadlock was broken on 12 minutes and it was a perfectly crafted goal, Kgosi Ntlhe making strides down the left hand side and his low cross was turned in past Pickford by Conor WASHINGTON for his second goal in Posh colours.

A mistake from Jack Baldwin allowed Novo to race clear on 17 minutes, but his shot was superbly saved by Olejnik at his near post. Baldwin was cautioned for a blatant tug in the build-up.

Posh felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick on the half hour mark as Isgrove took a tumble in the box, but nothing was given by referee Mr Phillips.

Washington fired wide of the near post after a good link-up with strike partner Assombalonga on 51 minutes.

Posh were awarded a spot-kick on 56 minutes as Isgrove's cross was handled in the box by Brown. ASSOMBALONGA stepped up and smashed home his 31st goal of the season and 22nd in the league.

On 64 minutes, the visitors reduced the arrears as Posh afforded Lee MILLER acres of space on the edge of the box and he took a touch before rifling home a volley past a flat-footed Olejnik.

Darren Ferguson introduced Tommy Rowe for McQuoid on 69 minutes in the first Posh tactical switch of the afternoon.

On 73 minutes, Posh were awarded another spot-kick as Pickford took out ASSOMBALONGA and the club top scorer stepped up and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

Substitute Rowe saw a drive held by Pickford as Posh tried to put the game to bed. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing replaced Isgrove and Nicky Ajose replaced Washington.

McCann saw a free-kick fly just over the top on 83 minutes while Ajose was denied by Pickford after excellent work from substitute Mendez-Laing.

On the 90 minute mark, Posh made it 4-1 as a low shot from Michael BOSTWICK took a wicked deflection, wrong footing keeper Pickford and squirming into the back of the net.

Olejnik denied Miller in stoppage time with a fine save as Carlisle tried to grab a late consolation.

Final Score: Posh 4-1 Carlisle United

Posh: Olejnik, Baldwin, Nugent, Ntlhe, Alcock, McCann, Bostwick, Isgrove (sub Mendez-Laing 78min), McQuoid (sub Rowe 69min), Washington (sub Ajose 80min), Assombalonga. Unused subs: Day, Little, Payne,  Newell.

Carlisle: Pickford, Robson, Miller, Thirlwell (sub Amoo 46min), Potts, Symington, Berrett, Brown, Meppen-Walter, Novo (sub Byrne 80min), Dawson (sub Redmond 61min). Unused subs: Fleming, Chantler,  Guy, Chimbonda.

Attendance: 5,921 (281 Carlisle fans)