A baking hot day, a smart new kit, a half decent crowd and possibly Tranmeres best ever away support at London Road.........and the perfect result for a team who look to have assembled themselves quite well in pre season.

Posh started with the team Fry had hinted they would, and Tranmere fielded their star players, in the shape mainly of the midfield duo of McAteer and Rankins. The game had bairly got going when Legg hit a dreadfully inaccurate pass cross field to Newton and then bollocked him for not keeping the ball in play, and shortly after Burton drew an early caution from the ref after completely taking out Hume down the wing and getting nowhere near the ball.

The Wabbit

How long would Burton last, especiallyd after testing the refs patience during handbags with McAteer over giving the ball back, but it was the ex Spice Boy who became the obvious target for the first red card of the season (as I had predicted before the game). His constant moaning, whining and play acting did not endear himself to the Posh crowd and players alike.

Woodhouse decided to be the first to test McAteers resolve with a committed tackle which took both ball and player at 100mph. McAteer rolled around in a Primera Liga stylee for a while efore returning to follow the ref around for 5 minutes like a lost dog.

It was Posh who put in the stirring performance in the first half however, and should have gone in at half time 2-0 up. Willock was sent clear by Woodhouses perfect pass but Achteberg made a breathtaking fingertip save from his thundering shot.

Farrell hit the bar soon after with Achteberg rooted, but the ball cannoned away to safety, and then Burton s header from a corner was cluthced under the bay by the keeper again.

Mark Tyler gets his usual reception from London Road

Tyler at the other end had to be alert to come off his line a few times, but had a comfortable time generally, watching a couple of pathetic free kicks sail over his bar.

However, the second half was a different story as Tranmere improved 50% and hogged the ball for a fair amount of the half. Dadi eventually came on and caused problems, but Tyler was on form and made 2 brilliant one on one saves as the linesman suffered what could only be described as sunstroke with Tranmere players clearly offside.

Ireland saw a rasping volley fly narrowly wide, before Farrells shot was turned away, and then Woodhouses pile driver was blocked, before Burton finally settled the game. Legg, for a change, chucked the ball in the general vicinity of the penalty area, up went Burton and Willock and the ball flew into the top corner, much to Mr Leggs delight - possibly only the first goal direct from one of his set pieces after a season trying.

Farrell was unhappily replaced by Clarke, who should have settled the game when played in by Constantine, who replaced Platt, but sriled his shot over the keeper and the bar. Posh looked to play on the break with the defence holding comfortably firm, and they worked very hard at holding on, and did it with a fair amount of ease in the end and could have a had a couple on the break as well.

On a hot day, the teams put in 100% effort and commitment, and Posh drew the rewards their industry and organisation deserved. Highlight of the game was the scuffle between Woodhouse and McAteer as the scouser looked to break form deep and Woodhouse hung on closely. McAteer waved his handbag, down they both went under a flurry of arms, fists and legs. Woodhouse was booked but McAteer - on a booking - got nothing but a little ticking off. Woodhouse and Thompson had completely outbattled and outplayed Rankine and McAteer, and the ex premier league boys didnt like it one bit.

Posh have broken the home voodoo at the off this season, and they need to turn Lonodon Road into a fortress this season, something the fans can help with, but didnt really try to do much in this game. Its off to Bradford on Tuesday night, and another 3 points would be fantastic.

The halftime entertainment

TONYS MARKS:

Tyler 8 - didnt put a foot wrong, commended his area and made 2 top class blocks when called upon

Burton 7 - defended strongly and headed the winner, but needs to chill out a little still

Legg 7 - settled down to have an easy game sweeping up, and looked at home there too

Ireland 9 - outstanding at the back didnt waste a pass, defended soundly and won all but 1 header all day. A good acquisition.

Newton 8 - busy down the right, looked fit and agile, and very fast.

Kennedy 7 - steady eddy on the left doesnt do much wrong and crosses a decent ball. In the right place at the right time.

Woodhouse 7 - spent the game focusing on McAteer and won that battle but didnt offer as much as I would like to see going forward.

Thompson 8 - had a great game shutting out Rankine and gave the ball nicely. Busy.

Farrell 7 - didnt quite have the breaks but still looks to have pace to burn and an eye for the spectacular shot. Unllucky not to score.

Platt 7- competed well and won his fair share of headers against a strong defender, but didnt threaten goal.

Willock 8 - good game all round, should have scored a couple but good saves from the keeper.

SUBS

Constantine 6- lively.

Clarke 6 - got into the honeypot position.