Darren Ferguson sees confidence return after Peterborough’s first league point

Darren Ferguson can see the confidence returning to his side after Peterborough’s first league point of the season.

Cian Hayes scored a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Bradford – Posh’s first goal from open play – to get them off the mark at the fifth attempt.

Will Swan had earlier netted his third in four games for the visitors, who would have moved level on points with new leaders Cardiff with a win.

Ferguson said: “The least we deserved was one point. Fair play to the players who kept going to the end.

“It reminded me of a lot of times at London Road when we’ve been pushing and got a late equaliser and then go on and nick it.

“Large parts of the game we were dominant and we’ve just got to keep persevering with the players. It’s just that little bit of confidence missing at the moment at the top end of the pitch.

“A lot of the play was very good up to the edge of the box and I enjoyed it.

“I do feel you’ll see a different team if we do get that first goal because the shackles will come off a little bit.

“The fans were great and stuck right with us. I hope they can see what we’re trying to do and we’re not far off in turning these results into wins.”

Swan broke the deadlock after Alex Pattison had won possession from former Bradford loan midfielder Brandon Khela.

But Hayes, who was part of a quadruple change by Ferguson after Bradford’s goal, converted fellow substitute Declan Frith’s cross to level.

Bradford remained unbeaten on their return to League One after six seasons in the fourth tier.

Manager Graham Alexander said: “It was more than solid for 70 minutes. I thought we looked dangerous and had real good moments, certainly in the first half, that we should have taken advantage of.

“Peterborough are a really good team. I think their league position belies the quality they have within the squad and obviously the experience of the manager.

“But I was so pleased with the goal and after that I think the tempo of the game was broken up by having to bring players off. It’s difficult to pick up the pace for those coming on.

“That said, they worked their socks off. There’s a little bit of a deflection for their goal but we should defend it better.

“I thought we were on for a safe 1-0 at the end. Even though they had pressure and their crowd behind them, I can’t remember Sam (Walker) having to make too many saves.

“You have to give Peterborough credit for going right to the end.”