Ferguson is aiming for back-to-back promotions with Posh

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson has warned his players that blowing promotion now would be a calamity.

Posh suffered their first defeat in nine games at promotion rivals Millwall on Monday, letting the London side close to within three points of them.

Ferguson told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "If we don't clinch automatic promotion now, the players will regret it for the rest of their lives.

"I don't want to be in this league. I don't want to be a League One manager."

Defeat to Millwall leaves Posh three points clear of the Lions, who sit third in the League One table.

Stockport visit London Road next and Ferguson is backing his men to bounce back with three points.

"We've had a fantastic season, but there are still three big games to go," he warned.

"I'm not interested in the last 43 games, I'm only interested in where we go now, and that's going to be the Championship."

Goals from David Martin and Jason Price consigned Posh to defeat at the New Den.

Martin scored from the spot in controversial fashion after referee Andy Woolmer ordered a penalty be re-taken twice.

Posh keeper Joe Lewis was deemed to have stepped off his line when saving the first two attempts and although Ferguson was sceptical about the decision, he did not feel it affected the result.

"Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher is on the television saying it's a harsh decision, but it's wrong for me to start talking about the officials - Millwall deserved their win," he said.

Ferguson confirmed that Shane Blackett's substitution at half-time was for tactical reasons rather than because of an injury.

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