Championship leaders Cardiff City have lost 2-1 at Peterborough United despite dominating the game for long periods.

© PA Photos

Two Grant McCann penalties saw the home side come from a goal down to help ease their relegation worries.

Peterborough started the better of the two teams with Lee Tomlin pulling the strings in midfield.

First he released Dwight Gayle whose shot was saved well by David Marshall, and then Tomlin's flick released Tommy Rowe who saw his effort expertly blocked by Leon Barnett.

After that, though, the Championship leaders took control. Following a succession of shots on goal, Cardiff forced a soft corner. Aron Gunnarsson found space in the box and tapped the ball home for the lead.

City were dominant after that but failed to test the goalkeeper before half time.

Shortly after the break Cardiff almost doubled their lead. A good counter-attack found Peter Whittingham on the edge of the box but his shot went inches wide.

Not long later Peterborough were back in the game. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was tripped in the area and the referee gave the penalty. Substitute McCann stepped up and scored the equaliser.

Shortly after the home side were ahead, thanks to a carbon copy of the first goal, as this time Mark Little was fouled. McCann again slotted the ball home from the spot for his and Peterborough's second goal.

Cardiff brought on Joe Mason as they pushed for a late equaliser but the away side could not find a goal before the end.