Peterborough 2 Portsmouth 0: what was said at the final whistle

Strikes for Dan Butler and Ivan Toney either side of half-time meant the Blues’ troubles on their travels continued.

Here’s what those closest to the action had to say about the game and result…

Pompey boss Kenny Jackett

They worked our keeper more than we worked theirs.

They have the top scorer in the league in Toney, who is an outstanding player and gets shots in. He also puts runners in physically and freely.

We knew about their attacking threats and we had to work to contain them.

The biggest disappointment for me, though, was we didn’t get going going forward.

Blues winger Ryan Williams

We didn’t play great, but usually when that happens we still get a result.

Obviously it’s a third away game in a row we haven’t scored, so we’re not doing enough going forward.

I don’t think Peterborough were unbelievable, definitely beatable, but we didn’t create enough and probably didn’t defend well enough.

We could have passed the ball a bit more, there wasn’t enough forward combination play, not a lot of passing from defence to midfield and midfield to our strikers.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson

I thought it was an excellent performance, very composed and a confident one.

My only concern was we didn't get that second goal earlier. The goalkeeper made an incredible save from Ivan after we went 1-0 up.

But we thoroughly deserved it and I felt, as a team, everyone performed.

Chief sports writer Neil Allen

Pompey could have no complaints after suffering a sobering defeat at promotion rivals Peterborough.

The Posh, inspired by Ivan Toney, were by far the better team and well worth their 2-0 success.

Pompey never got going and were indebted to fine goalkeeping display from Alex Bass to keep the scoreline down.

Pompey reporter Jordan Cross

That was a chastening experience.

Pompey were given a torrid time by comfortably the best side they've faced this season in Peterborough.

Ivan Toney was simply unplayable and the ridiculously-gifted Siriki Dembele gave the Blues defence a torrid time with his blurring footwork.

Pompey competed but it never felt like they were close to getting a foothold as an attacking force - and that is now certainly a concern on the road.

Without the excellent Alex Bass the damage could've been much, much worse as Kenny Jackett’s side are now left to reflect on the heights they need to hit if they are to be celebrating at the end of the season.