New boss Williams encouraged by Peterborough upturn

Gustav Lindgren has only started two league games for Peterborough this season

Peterborough United boss Luke Williams is delighted that "small, precise" messages to his squad have brought swift rewards following their early-season struggles.

Saturday's 5-0 win over AFC Wimbledon followed an FA Cup victory over Cardiff and Posh have yet to concede since Williams replaced Darren Ferguson.

Harry Leonard and Gustav Lindgren both scored twice - the latter finding the net for the first time since April.

"We're so early in we mustn't get ahead of ourselves," former Swansea boss Williams told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"We have a long way to go before we're a really good, slick team but this initial, first couple of games, the message has been small, but I hope very precise, and I'm grateful to the players for the commitment they've shown.

"I want the fans to remember the goals and to be excited about dribbles, big tackles and saves, but the whole team moving together around the pitch and withstanding the pressure of the Dons, the body language and attitude was really pleasing."

Peterborough were bottom of the table when owner Darragh MacAnthony brought Ferguson's fourth spell in charge to an end following a 2-1 home defeat by Blackpool on 25 October.

The appointment of Williams followed four days later and they have climbed two places to 22nd but still have a four-point gap to make up to escape from the relegation places.

The renewed confidence of Leonard, who failed to score in his first eight games after arriving on loan from Blackburn but has three goals in his past two, is a big boost for the manager.

And as well as Lindgren's two-goal contribution, there was more good news with the return to action of Declan Frith as a second-half substitute following three months out injured.

"The mentality and attitude of Gus coming off the bench was the one you want - he watched Harry score two goals and be really impressive and his attitude was 'I'm getting involved, I'm going to try and do the same'," added Williams.

"After what he's been through - he's had some tough times here - to come into the game and still have the energy and confidence to go and score says a lot about his personality."