Peterborough 0 Northampton 0

Last updated : 28 December 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Relegation continues to haunt Peterborough United, who failed to pull themselves out of the bottom four following a goalless draw with local rivals Northampton Town.

Winger Adam Newton did create numerous openings for Posh throughout the match, but a lack of conviction in attack and a stubborn visiting defence meant Barry Fry's side had to settle for a point.

The best chance of the first half fell to the hosts when Newton burst past his man down the right-hand side before pulling the ball back to Andy Clarke, who could only scuff his shot harmlessly into a defender.

Posh rallied after the break and saw Jimmy Bullard flash a free-kick wide, before Clarke went on a dazzling run to beat three defenders before being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Chris Marsh.

Northampton seldom threatened the Posh goal although Marco Gabbiadini did see a couple of long-range efforts fly over the bar late on and midfielder Paul Harsley also drilled a fierce effort wide of Lee Harrison's post.

Posh manager Fry was convinced his side deserved all three points in front of the biggest crowd of the season at London Road.

He said: "I thought we started very brightly and created a few chances, mainly through Adam Newton down the right-hand side.

"It was disappointing that we couldn't keep up the tempo in the second half. We've hustled and bustled but at the end of the day have to settle for a point." Opposite number Kevan Broadhurst was happier with the result, admitting: "We have got to be happy with a point because a draw is a good result from a match we haven't dominated."