David Wetherall urged Michael Symes not to blame himself over the penalty miss that denied City their first win.

With Dean Windass off injured, Symes took the pressure kick in stoppage time against Peterborough - only to scoop it wide.

But Wetherall, whose late equaliser earned his side a 2-2 draw at Valley Parade, said: "I don't think anyone can have a go at him because the other ten players didn't put themselves in that position.

"Good on him for taking the responsibility. My attitude is that who wants it most will end up with the ball and Michael was very keen to put it on the spot.

"He's got to use it as part of his learning curve. It happens to the best players and you only have to think back to Euro 2004 when David Beckham missed the first penalty for England.

"It's disappointing for us all because effectively that was two points lost. But everyone makes mistakes and you've just got to be mentally strong to deal with it.

"His head went down a little bit but nobody is blaming Symesy. Why shouldn't he take the next one?"

Colin Todd was baffled why none of the more experienced players took the responsibility. But he praised his side's battling spirit to fight back after losing Windass in the first half.

The striker, who had netted his second goal in two games, was stretchered off after falling awkwardly. Checks later showed he had only twisted his right ankle and could be fit for the Doncaster clash on Saturday.

Todd added: "We'd have taken 2-2 up to then but you have to take those opportunities when they come along.

"But the supporters have seen a tremendous effort out there. It's going to take time and we have to improve but remember that some of these kids haven't played regular first-team football."

Peterborough boss Barry Fry reckoned City had been let off the hook. He moaned: "We were the only team in it for 40 minutes of the second half. We could have been 4-1 up and have killed the game by the time they got an equaliser."