Peterborough United’s assistant manager insisted his side “deserved” to win at Carlisle United.

But Kieran Scarff conceded that “naivete” was behind their failure to keep the Blues out in added time.

The visiting No2 also credited Paul Simpson’s side for making things difficult for Darren Ferguson’s high-fliers.

Ronnie Edwards headed Posh in front before Jordan Gibson levelled at the death for Carlisle – after the Blues had been enraged by ref Scott Simpson’s failure to award them penalties.

Scarff, speaking to Posh+, said: “I thought aspects of our performance were good, playing with the identity we demand from the players.

“Opportunities went begging, good positions went begging. Carlisle made it very difficult, more so in the second half – nobody’s going to roll over against us.

“It’s really frustrating at the end because it’s a game we deserved to and should have won.”

News and Star: Peterborough were on the brink of victory - but Jordan Gibson then struck for CarlislePeterborough were on the brink of victory - but Jordan Gibson then struck for Carlisle (Image: Ben Holmes)

Peterborough gave Carlisle plenty of problems in the first half before the Blues grew into things.

“A lot of our play was really good. The way Carlisle set up was to try and nullify our strengths but we showed a real discipline for large spells,” said Ferguson’s right-hand man.

“Maybe a bit of naivete at the end of the game has cost us and that’s something we’ve got to eradicate.”

Scarff felt their opening goal came from an impressive set-piece delivery from Joel Randall and a commanding header from Edwards.

On United’s equaliser, though, the visiting assistant boss added: “You get all those emotions, frustration, disappointment…

“We look at aspects of the game that could have been better, and aspects that have been really good.

“That little bit of luck you need…you get the deflection [from Gibson’s shot], and nine times out of ten that sort of strike goes way over the bar, but it doesn’t and we go again.”