There was a party atmosphere inside London Road but Darlington ruined the celebrations with a 2-0 victory to end their barren run of form, but Posh were in jubilant mood as they partied following automatic promotion to Coca-Cola League One.

Darlington were intent on spoiling the Posh promotion party and opened the scoring within two minutes of the starts as Ricky Ravenhill saw his shot deflect past goalkeeper Joe Lewis off centre back Craig Morgan with the ball wrong footing the Posh goalkeeper.

Aaron Mclean was denied his 30th league goal of the season by a fine block from Ian Miller. Adam Newton stung the hands of goalkeeper of David Stockdale but in making the subsequent clearance the shot stopper collapsed in agony and had to be replaced by Przemyslaw Kazimierczak.

A snapshot from Tommy Williams didn't trouble the new Darlington goalkeeper as Posh pressed for an equaliser.

George Boyd nearly rounded off a fine passing move on 22 minutes but his right footed shot was straight at Kazimierczak.

A floated free kick from Dean Keates was plucked out of the air by Kazimierczak after Alan White had been penalised for a foul on Mclean 25 yards from goal.

An acrobatic over head kick from Aaron Mclean bounced just wide of the far post on 28 minutes after a spate of head tennis in and around Darlington's penalty box.

Chris Whelpdale showed good skill on the ball to drift passed Clark Keltie but his low drive was easily saved by the Darlington goalkeeper.

The substitute Polish goalkeeper was proving to be a thorn in Posh's side as he denied Craig Mackail-Smith his 20th goal of the season with a fine stop as the pressure continued to mount on Dave Penney's side.

Mackail-Smith saw a fierce left footed volley well claimed by Kazimierczak although the shot was straight at the Polish substitute. However the visitors were intent on spoiling the celebrations for the home faithful as a mistake by Newton allowed Rob Purdie to nip in and his low centre was converted by Mickey CUMMINS to make it 2-0 to the Quakers.

Top goal scorer Aaron Mclean was replaced 30 minutes before the end by Scott Rendell as boss Darren Ferguson decided to give the substitutes a chance to sign.

Mackail-Smith squandered the clearest opportunity for posh on the hour mark after the ball was fed to him 10 yards from goal but his weak effort was easily claimed by Kazimierczak.

Youngster Alfie Potter was introduced on 68 minutes and moments after his introduction Posh almost reduced the arrears as Rendell ghosted in at the back post and fizzed a powerful header passed the upright. Micah Hyde was cautioned following a scuffle with Keltie moments later as tempers became frayed.

Mackail-Smith curled a shot over from 25 yards as the party atmosphere began to get underway at London Road.

Final Score: Peterborough United 0-2 Darlington

Referee: Mr S Bratt (West Midlands)