FOR anyone feeling disappointed this week by Oxford United’s stumble in the play-off race, tomorrow’s opponents offer a useful reminder of how much progress has been made.

When Peterborough United visited the Kassam Stadium in August, thoughts of a top-six finish were not on anyone’s radar.

A solitary point from the opening three games left the U’s in the bottom four and in need of a spark.

It came against the Posh, where United rode their luck before Chris Maguire’s stoppage-time penalty.

While the Scot’s mischievous celebration hogged the headlines, the maiden three points came as a huge relief.

“It’s important people have an understanding how hard it is to win a game,” head coach Michael Appleton said.

“It’s bloody difficult.”

Successive home defeats in the past week have lengthened United’s odds of a charge into the promotion picture.

It is a race Peterborough were firmly in until the turn of the year, but eight defeats in their last dozen games have seen them slip off the pace.

Another loss tomorrow would probably end their hopes for good, while coming back from London Road empty-handed would leave United as massive outsiders.

Appleton will not give up until the mathematics say otherwise, but even if the campaign peters out it will still the club’s best finish this side of the millennium.

He said: “What we’re doing is pretty successful under the circumstances.

“We’re nearly three years into the project, but the reality is we’ve gone from a mid-table League Two side to hopefully a top-half League One side with a couple of cup finals in the mix and producing some quality players.

“I think it’s important from a perspective point of view that people realise that.

“If we do finish mid-table this year it’s massive progression from where we started.”

The strength of Sheffield United’s squad in their midweek victory at the Kassam Stadium was impressive – and tough for most in Sky Bet League One to replicate.

But Peterborough, who have twice been promoted to the Championship in the last eight years, offer the U’s a blueprint to follow when it comes to punching above their weight financially.

“They are a great example,” Appleton said.

“They work the market brilliantly “They are prepared to back their judgement by paying a few hundred grand for a player knowing they will probably sell them for a million. I like that.

“It’s a good model and it’s served them really well.

“It doesn’t go unnoticed.”

There are similarities in style on the pitch, too.

With both sides looking to play, Appleton expects a game which is easy on the eye.

He said: “They are one of the better ones in the division.

“People will have an opportunity to show they are good footballers and I hope they do that.

“There’s not much pressure on both teams, so you’d like to think they would play with a bit of freedom.

“May the best team win.”