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Peterborough missed the chance to climb out of the Championship relegation zone as fellow strugglers Ipswich held them to a goalless draw at London Road.

Both sides had early opportunities before Ipswich striker Frank Nouble saw his shot from distance hit the bar.

Nouble missed three more chances but Peterborough improved after half-time and Tommy Rowe's 20-yard effort tested Ipswich keeper Stephen Henderson.

Neither side could break through, though, and a draw was the fair result.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy will be happier than opposite number Darren Ferguson after gaining an away point that boosts their own survival bid.

His side made a slow start but eventually grew into the contest and Nouble rattled the woodwork after 26 minutes.

The same man then went close twice within a minute. First he drew a fine save from Robert Olejnik and then his header narrowly missed the target.

Ferguson's side were struggling and Olejnik had to save again from a Nouble header six minutes before half-time.

Peterborough were a different proposition just after the break - Danny Swanson's shot was blocked by Andy Drury and Tommy Smith had to put his body in the way of a Nathaniel Mendez-Laing shot from 12 yards.

After Rowe brought out the best in Henderson, Ferguson made a triple substitution as he went in search of victory.

But it did not arrive and Posh remain second-bottom of the table.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson:

"Bobby [Olejnik] has produced two brilliant saves. They were both massive moments in the game as we couldn't afford to fall behind.

"The clean sheet is the positive I take out of the game but we were not clinical enough for the second successive match.

"If we can win at Leeds on Tuesday night, we'll be out of the bottom three and that would be happy days."

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy:

"How we haven't got a penalty is beyond me. I'm not one for wearing rose-tinted glasses but there was a clear handball in the box and the referee has given nothing.

"We played well enough to win the game but we didn't put the ball in the net. The lack of goals is obviously a concern and it is something we work on every single day in training.

"But we would have scored twice had it not been for two fabulous saves. Peterborough's keeper has earned them their point.

"It's not a bad point for us either. It keeps us ticking over and keeps Peterborough below us."