Cooper has taken two points from his opening three matches as Posh boss

Peterborough United boss Mark Cooper has defended his side's cautious approach against Swansea on Saturday.

Posh allowed the Swans plenty of possession in the first 45 minutes, but fought back to claim a 2-2 draw.

Cooper told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "We wanted to be in the game at half-time because we've found ourselves behind in the past two matches.

"We set out to frustrate them a bit and ensure we were level at half-time, but we did get a little deep."

Cooper warned ahead of Saturday's game that Posh cannot expect to outplay the Championship's better sides.

He set the side out in a 4-5-1 formation with Aaron Mclean as the loan forward, but switched to 4-4-2 after half-time.

Exodus has got to tighten up defensively; he's got to learn and he's got to learn quick Mark Cooper on Exodus Geohaghon

"After half-time we moved 10 yards further up the pitch and got closer to them," he said.

"We started dispossessing them on the edge of the box and for 20 minutes we were the better team."

With both Gabby Zakuani and Charlie Lee unavailable, Ryan Bennett filled in a right-back with Craig Morgan coming in alongside Exodus Geohaghon in the centre.

Geohaghon played a part in both goals, but struggled to deal with Lee Trundle, who score a brace after coming off the bench.

"If you've got a long throw, you've got to use it, but Exodus has got to tighten up defensively; he's got to learn and he's got to learn quick," Cooper said.

Cooper has been unable to name the same back four in any of his three matches in charge at London Road.

He says a settled defence is essential if they are to have any chance of staying in the Championship this season.

"We've not got a settled back four and it doesn't help, but the chairman and Barry Fry are working hard to get the right players in," he said.

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