Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson says his side’s first league clean sheet of the season is a step in the right direction after their goalless draw with play-off seeking Leyton Orient.
Posh boasted the unwanted record of the leakiest defence in the division heading into the game.
New loanees Tayo Edun and Sam Hughes made a huge difference after being thrown straight into the hosts’ back four.
The key now is striking the right balance between defence and attack for Ferguson as he looks to eke out wins.
Ferguson, whose side have picked up just two points from their last six matches, said: “It’s something to build on and a step forward. We looked very solid.
“That quality and composure was missing. That little bit of finesse. But maybe that’s where we’re at at the moment.
“We just need to be a bit more solid but it’s a starting point for us.
“We were comfortable but we’ve been comfortable in other games this season and then someone’s made a mistake.
“The two lads that have come in were excellent. They were really good. Tayo brought so much energy on the left considering he’s only played four games this season.
“Sam, you can see what he brings. He will also help others. We feel they will definitely improve us and that was certainly the case today.
“It’s about finding that balance. Yes, we want to be solid. But we still want to impose ourselves on the opposition going forward.
“We had a few moments. I was hoping we’d scrap a 1-0 win and that’s probably what we need.”
Orient boss Richie Wellens is looking to add some firepower to his group during the transfer window as the club look to fire themselves further into the play-off picture.
He said: “We are negotiating with a centre forward and a midfielder playing in the number 10 role. We also want to sign Sonny Perkins on a permanent basis.”
On the game, Wellens added: “We could have nicked it. If you look at the stats and see we had few shots on target, I don’t think that is a true reflection.
“That little lack of not energy but sharpness to make those runs in the final third. We weren’t good enough in that final third.
“I was really pleased with our intensity and our work rate.
“It’s a pleasing away day. I’m more proud of the players today than I was on Tuesday night (FA Cup penalty shootout win over Derby). Tuesday night was easy to get up for a full house at home with a Championship team.
“Early kick-off, it’s cold, you can use that as an excuse.
“Other than a counter attack, I don’t think we were ever in danger of losing the game.”
