The Posh manager was delighted with the performance of his team against Stevenage, and said: "Obviously it was a little bit more like what we'll face in terms of the physical side of it.

"I thought we coped with it very well and were comfortable from the first minute."

Ferguson also handed a start to winger Shaun Batt, and the Fisher Athletic player will feature again in Saturday's friendly against Rushden and Diamonds.

"He played against us in a closed door game last week and he did ever so well for Fisher," said Ferguson.

"Fortunately their manager has let him come here and we'll take another look at him on Saturday, but there's plenty to work with.

"He's got a lot of pace and he gives us something we haven't got."

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Having won all of their pre-season matches so far, Ferguson insisted they will aim to maintain their momentum for the start of the season.

He said: "I'll be playing a strong team on Saturday as we know it's a difficult game against Rushden.

"We'll have a look at how the lad's legs are, but I'll be playing as strong a team as I can."