Frank Nouble came closest to breaking the deadlock as the Blues’ trip to Peterborough ended in a 0-0 draw. The January signing from Wolves struck the woodwork from 25 yards and then forced Posh keeper Bobby Olejnik into a fine save during the first half.

Mick McCarthy handed Jay Tabb his Blues debut, Nouble his first Town start and Elliott Hewitt his first Blues start in the league.

Skipper Carlos Edwards was only considered fit enough for a place on the bench due to the groin injury that saw him miss the midweek trip to Nottingham Forest, while Michael Chopra was out with a dead leg and Lee Martin and Richard Stearman were suspended after their red cards at the City Ground.

Hewitt was at right-back, Nouble up front alongside the returning David McGoldrick with Daryl Murphy dropping to the bench. New loan signing Tabb was in Martin’s usual role on the left of midfield

Luke Chambers was again wearing the armband, while Jay Emmanuel-Thomas returned to the 18 after missing the midweek defeat due to illness. Peterborough included former Blues loanee Tyrone Barnett amongst their subs, while former Posh star Aaron Mclean was on the bench for Town.

As the game began in persistent drizzle, there was an early scare for the white-shirted Blues when Lee Tomlin, scorer of a hat-trick in Posh’s 7-1 win in the corresponding fixture last season, flicked the ball through to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, but Aaron Cresswell got across to put the ball behind for a corner.

From the flagkick, Danny Swanson hit a volley from the edge of the box which deflected well over the bar.

On 11, a long spell of Posh possession ended with left-back and skipper Tommy Rowe hitting a shot into the sidenetting from 25 yards. The home side had had the better of the opening spell with the Blues yet to really get going.

Peterborough should have gone in front in the 16th minute when Tomlin was played in on the left of the area as Andy Drury slipped but scraped his shot across the face of Stephen Henderson’s goal and wide.

A minute later, Posh, still very much on top, had another chance after a cross was half-cleared to the edge of the box, but Jack Payne hit his shot against Dwight Gayle.

Cresswell lashed Town’s first shot over the game high and wide on 17 after a corner from the right had been cleared to him 30 yards from goal. On 20 Drury had a more promising effort blocked by Gabriel Zakuani. Moments later, Swanson picked up the game’s first yellow card for a foul on Hewitt.

McGoldrick took the ball in from the left and found himself space to shoot 25 yards out in the 23rd minute, but scuffed well wide. A minute later, Guirane N’Daw was teed up by Luke Hyam on the edge of the area but made a poor pass when he ought to have had a go at goal.

Nouble went close to scoring his first goal for the Blues in the 26th minute when he found himself in space 20 yards out and struck a powerful effort which hit the outside of Bobby Olejnik’s left post.

Soon after, with Town coming more into the game and the 2,000-strong Blue Army making most of the noise, debutant Tabb stabbed Drury’s corner from the right wide.

Chambers made an important challenge to dispossess Rowe with the Posh skipper about to unleash a shot at goal from close range on the half-hour mark.

But despite that chance, Town were by now in control of the game and a minute later Nouble again went close to putting the Blues ahead. The former Wolves man cut in from the left, beat Michael Bostwick and hit a shot which Olejnik just managed to get enough on to in order to divert it wide. From the corner, Nouble headed Drury’s near-post ball wide.

In the 37th minute, Mendez-Laing became the second Posh player to pick up a booking for a foul on Hewitt.

Nouble headed a looping Drury cross to Olejnik in the 40th minute, a difficult bounce on the tricky London Road surface having prevented the midfielder from hitting the shot which initially appeared to be on.

The Blues ended the half in the ascendency and Mick McCarthy will probably have been the happier of the two bosses during the break.

Posh had started the stronger and almost caught the Blues cold in the opening minute, while Tomlin will feel he ought to have scored his shot across the face, but as the period wore on McCarthy’s men gradually took control.

Nouble was unlucky with his strike against the post, but having done the hard work, will probably feel he should have been celebrating his first Town goal from his subsequent opportunity, although keeper Olejnik did well to save.

As for the other debutants, Hewitt was making a significant impact down the Blues’ right, getting in a number of crosses, while Tabb was showing his tenacity down the other flank.

It was the home side who threatened first after the break, Mendez-Laing crossing from the right after Cresswell had slipped. The ball came out to Swanson, whose shot from the edge of the box deflected just wide.

Town came close in the 52nd minute when Hyam dinked a ball across from the right to McGoldrick, whose goalbound strike was brilliantly blocked by Mark Little.

McGoldrick went even closer a minute later when his header from Drury’s right-wing cross was superbly tipped away by Olejnik with the rebound not falling kindly for Nouble.

Just after the hour mark, Henderson was forced into his first save of the afternoon when Rowe hit a low strike to his right, Hewitt clearing the loose ball.

McGoldrick saw a shot blocked, Nouble curled one wide, then in the 65th minute the former West Ham man sent across a low ball towards the in-rushing Tabb but Little stabbed it away from the new loan signing as he was about to add the final touch.

Town were still very much on top with the home crowd becoming increasingly frustrated with the ease with which their team were surrendering possession. On 67 N’Daw hit a shot through to Olenjik but without seriously testing him.

A minute later Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson made a triple change. Ex-Blues loan man Barnett took over from Swanson, Joe Newell from Mendez-Laing and Kgosi Ntlhe from Grant McCann, while for Town ex-Peterborough man Aaron Mclean came on for Nouble.

Mclean, who was warmly welcomed back to London Road by his old fans, won an early corner with a deflected shot.

Barnett came closer at the other end, heading Little’s 75th minute right-wing cross over when he will feel he might have done better.

Drury forced Olejnik into a save with a 20-yard shot on 77, then at the other end Gayle volleyed a ball coming over his shoulder wide. Emmanuel-Thomas took over from Drury for the Blues with nine minutes remaining.

Town felt they should have had a penalty in the 84th minute when a loose ball appeared to strike Jack Payne on the hand, however, referee James Linington waved away the protests. It might have been harsh had it been given.

Mclean hit a low shot which Olejnik, significantly the busier of the keepers, saved down to his left as the game moved into its final five minutes.

The Blues were still largely on top, but Posh were threatening on the break and in the 87th minute Tomlin shot too close to Henderson when found well-positioned inside the area.

On the balance of the game, the home side would have been happier to hear referee Linington’s whistle blown with the score 0-0.

After Posh had started strongly, the Blues had been on top of one of the livelier 0-0s you’ll see. However, aside from Nouble’s first-half opportunity there weren’t many clear-cut chances, McGoldrick’s second-half header which was well-saved the best, despite Town’s dominance.

The result - Peterborough's first 0-0 draw for 172 matches since a stalemate against Town at Portman Road in December 2009 - leaves the Blues four points from the relegation places but having dropped to 20th after Sheffield Wednesday’s victory at Leicester.

Peterborough: Olejnik, Little, Rowe (c), Zakuani, Bostwick, McCann (Nthle 68), Tomlin, Swanson (Barnett 68), Payne, Gayle, Mendez-Laing (Newell 68). Unused: Day, Alcock, Brisley, Ferdinand.

Town: Henderson, Hewitt, Chambers (c), Smith, Cresswell, Drury (Emmanuel-Thomas 81), Hyam, N'Daw, Tabb, McGoldrick, Nouble (Mclean 68). Unused: Loach, Kisnorbo, Mings, Edwards, Murphy. Referee: James Linington (Newport). Att: 9,367 (Town: 2,611)

Photo: Action Images

h32 added 17:50 - Mar 9 ..... things are shaping up but we desperately need a couple of 3 pointers / wins - very negative to keep relying on a single pointt, although, of course, better than nothing right now.
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commuterblue added 17:51 - Mar 9 @billm it wasn't me but for the record 90 words without punctuation deserves a minus!
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Edmunds5 added 17:51 - Mar 9 Put the full stops in where appropriate my apologies
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TimmyH added 18:02 - Mar 9 I've got a feeling those Beeb stats are a little over the top about attempts on goal etc. I think Mick is doing at present exactly whats asked of him but unfortunately it's not pretty - I still think next season will 'be his season' and he'll sign the players he needs to get us going forwards metaphorically speaking, at present our teams style is what I equate to playing good golf, you sort your irons out then your putting or driving goes to pot and visa versa - it's a little bit with the team at present we've seemed to sort the defense out but now the creativity and goals have dried up and the consistency is still not there. If we escape which I believe we will then expectations on Mick & Co. will increase.

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warktheline added 18:26 - Mar 9 Keep grinding Mick.Beats the hell out of losing 7-1.Pleased Mick and TC have stabilized our club.Championship football next season without doubt.
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NSL added 19:03 - Mar 9 Good performance today. We didn't really get any luck and the Peterborough defence was absolutely solid to be fair with their keeper making a couple of great saves. The game really felt like their were 'goals in it' but the 0-0 probably reflects why both teams are at the bottom. Mclean isn't going to score in the month of Sundays, Nouble showed flashes of class and hit the post (but really you have to score 1v1's at this level) and McGoldrick seems like more of a supporting role striker rather than pummelling the goal himself. Hate to say it but DJ would have probably had a hatful today. Really pleased with Tabb who really put himself about and Hewitt slotted in the back nicely - a bit like Cresswell I suppose when he started playing regularly. All in all a decent came and content with the result, although it would have been nice to go bananas on the terrace there! Brilliant turnout by the way - made it sound like a home game - actually it was an even better atmosphere!

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Letchworth_Blue added 19:03 - Mar 9 Hewitt and Tabb were stand-out players for me. Nouble should have scored at least one, was little unlucky. He'll end up being a really good signing as he is a big presence and looks a handful. For a 0-0, was quite lively. We can count ourselves unlucky today.
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h32 added 19:25 - Mar 9 ...... after hearing MM talking post match today - the more I think Manager and Club were made for each other. If we can but survive this season - much better times are ahead with MM & Co.
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h32 added 19:27 - Mar 9 .... so good to know Hewitt and Tabb had good games, and slotted in so well.
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Edmunds5 added 19:31 - Mar 9 By the way, thanks for the minus for me apologising for my grammar, slap on the wrist, wont do it again.
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TractorCam added 19:32 - Mar 9 Just got back from the game, atmosphere was electric by the tractorboys, 5 star peformance from the blues, only thing that was missing was the goal, but you have to credit their keeper who made some great saves to keep the clean sheet for them. Gutted not to take the 3 points but we move on to next week vs Bolton, COYB!
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TimmyH added 19:35 - Mar 9 Yep pleased for Hewitt, deserved his chance and sounds like he had a good game - glad he put him in over Reece Brown (Yet another Loanee).
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muccletonjoe added 19:36 - Mar 9 Yes a point is better than nothing , but I would suggest this now means we must pick up 3 points next week againzst Bolton or we are going to skowly sink into the bottom 3 . Tough ask but we have to do more than hold teams to stay up
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Kikapu added 19:54 - Mar 9 MM's BBC interview. ''Keep playing like that. Keep keeping clean sheets - keep playing like that - and we'll be fine''. It's right isn't it? It's not comfortable, but it is the right way to go to survive. Next year is next year.
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hogster1970 added 19:54 - Mar 9 just got back from the game, well 2k plus fans made loads of noise and what a great atmosphere, you cant beat a bit of terracing to do that, thought overall we were defo the better side, hewitt to me was solid as orr or stearman but looked tastey go forward, so he should keep his place , tabb was ok nothing electric but the left wing isnt his place, nouble was okish but like said before drifted in and out, would have prefered murphy upfront as think we would have been better off but hey ho, hyam had a great game, well to be fair every was good with a hewitt hyam stood out for me, having basicaly 4 center midfielders acroos the four we would lack a bit of cutting edge but all in all we put in a stella performance, be a toughy next week though

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alfromcol added 20:13 - Mar 9 TractorCam added 19:32 - Mar 9 Just got back from the game, atmosphere was electric by the tractorboys, 5 star peformance from the blues, only thing that was missing was the goal, but you have to credit their keeper who made some great saves to keep the clean sheet for them. Spot on, great atmosphere, only thing we didn't do was score. Keeper and some last ditch tackles saved them. MM set up for the win, 2 upfront all game. My only negative, is that I wish Hyam and other midfielders would have a pop at goal when in good positions.

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blueherts added 20:20 - Mar 9 Great turn out and atmosphere - my son loved the terraces Hey - these games are always going to be tougher We play better against the better teams - and we have had some misfortune - some of it through injuries - Wordsworth and some through suspensions MM and TC have turned us into a tough side to beat and for that he deserves all the credit - the 5 and 6 nil drubbings seem to be a thing of the past He signed a creative mid who got injured - Thought we look good in Back 5 and the two holding midfielders ( Tabb and Drury and no more than wider def midfielders But Drury played ok today and as Mick says but for their keeper we would be celebrating 3 points We have the makings of a good and young team at the back I think he will address the middle and up top Nouble should have scored when one on one Def Penalty - but same old problems come when we move the ball well then just stop and check too often and not go for the jugular Shows slight lack of confidence which is maybe understandable Still think we will get 4 points in next two and be safe Enjoyable day but abit frustrating - but at a point may well be invaluable at season end

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Michael11 added 21:22 - Mar 9 To the people saying we played for a 0-0 you're very wrong. Absolutely bossed the game and can't believe we didn't score! Thought Hewitt was outstanding today, Nouble and Hyam also did very well in my opinion. Just needed a bit more luck in front of goal but their keeper made some freat saves.
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Michael11 added 21:28 - Mar 9 P.s bring back standing terraces at football please! Best atmosphere i've been to in a long time. Top class!
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Cakeman added 21:32 - Mar 9 Just back home and although there were no goals, it was an eventful and enjoyable game. For me I thought all the lads did well and with Jay Tabb having a good debut, we had some width with purpose. Elliott Hewitt looked comfortable on the ball and supported the midfield and attackers well. I was also very impressed by Frank Nouble, he was very quick for a big chap and played really well. I would like to see this starting eleven again because they looked a very balanced team. Only the heroics of the home keeper prevented us from winning.

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jscott1972 added 21:48 - Mar 9 Ipswich were by far the better side today and should of won the game. The atmosphere was fantastic with the town fans making all the noise. Hyram, Hewitt were good but I can't believe smith and ndaw haven't been mentioned, both were first class and tabb did well and was a very willing runner. Ipswich positive throughout and could of won by at least two goals. Peterborough looked poor though I can't believe they have been scoring goals

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runaround added 22:34 - Mar 9 Today was like a trip back 20 plus years, standing on a terrace, with poor facilities, with 2500 ITFC fans creating a great atmosphere. Apart from first 25 minutes we dominated the match but were denied by the post & 2 magnificent saves. A supporting pillar meant I couldn't see penalty decision clearly but apparently it was a clear handball. As usual we defended well as a team, Hyam outstanding, but lack creativity. Defensively we are fine, midfield works extremely hard & we have strikers who can score but no-one to create the chances for them. 35 goals in 37 games tells its own story & we're reminiscent of the Leicester side of 2008 who went down. Next 4 games are vital, 2 home games against sides with indifferent away form followed by trips to 2 out of form teams. If we can pick up the points in those games we'll be fine but if after those we're in a worse position it really will be squeaky bottom time

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Jonox123 added 01:08 - Mar 10 Frank nouble, quality player, watch out!
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MickMillsTash added 09:44 - Mar 10 Ipswich were the better team and i think Peterbourgh are going down. Henderson - good Hewitt- dodgy first 25 but afterwards comfortable, very quick and I like the way he always gives and goes- he pushed on throughout and created space for the midfield. Chambers- solid after dodgy start, Smith- Good- won all aerial battles Cresswell- I thought he was poor, he must offer more quality in attacking positions in general but especially in games that we dominate Drury- Ok had a few good runs but with more quality could have got a shot off in the first half when in a good position. If we are to score we need more creation from Right mid in games like this. Hyam- Good,won most 50-50s, had a better game going forward and with Hewitt in the side had more options N'Daw- good, thought Hyam probably was better but N'Daws height makes him first pick in this position Tabb- Ok, up and down, without really doing a lot Nouble- great first half, pace, power and very direct- ran into the space well and offered an outlet ball down the line. Where did that performance come from? McGoldrick- good outside the box and has some invention, would like to understand how he scored 17 goals for Cov - he obviuosly has goals in him but he spends so much time in non goal scoring positions Good atmosphere - enjoyed the game, Leicester took 4800 and Norwich 5000, to Peterborough - we didn't sell out our seated section- just a comment before we start congratulating ourselves on what great fans we are

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SouperJim added 10:34 - Mar 10 I want my beachball back
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