Atkins other prediction was that the Posh will be up among the promotion group. So in the first half hour they were a different class to Rovers who have now taken just one point from six, but then they exposed a temper which could undermine them.
With half time approaching their captain Dean Holden was sent off for stamping on Rovers keeper Scott Shearer, it was a reaction to what Holden had seen as a high challenge but was a stupid one.
Peterborough were rattled and it showed as central defender Sagi Burton saw yellow for a two footed tackle on Ryan Williams .
Williams always an energetic figure in Rovers attack dusted himself down and promptly set up a scoring raid on the other side of the pitch,
He squeezed round the outside of Sean St. Ledger to get in a good cross which Richard Walker screwed wide of keeper Mark Tyler.
Suddenly the Posh were no longer superior. They kept their shape by pulling back Farrell into defence and leaving new signing James Quinn as the sole striker.
They were to pay a high price for Holden's dismissal when Steve Elliott thumped in an equaliser from a free-kick.
Walker saw a card for crashing Newton into touch, Tyler pumped the free-kick down the line Peter Gain carried it on and his slick cross was lifted high into the net by substitute Richard Logan.