The former Fisher Athletic player unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard half-volley with 14 minutes remaining as his rock-bottom side hauled themselves level for a second time.

The visitors twice held the edge as on-loan striker Dave Kitson opened his Boro goal account, but Posh's basement boys refused to be denied.

Middlesbrough's defence had stood firm under an early aerial bombardment from the huge throws of Posh debutant Exodus Geohaghon – the 6ft 6in centre-back who followed manager Mark Cooper from non-league side Kettering.

And it was at the other end that the deadlock was broken. Kitson pounced to finish smartly from the edge of the area after goalkeeper Joe Lewis had kept out Julio Arca's effort.

The hosts hit back nine minutes into the second period when Scott Griffiths clipped the ball into the path of George Boyd to score his 11th goal of the season.

The joy was short-lived as Boro winger Adam Johnson delivered a splendid left-wing cross that Kitson headed home to register the 100th Football League goal of his career.

Posh could have crumbled but Batt responded with a moment of individual brilliance.

That was not the end of the drama as Boro defender Sean St Ledger – a former Posh man – had a strong case for a late penalty ignored after a challenge from Aaron Mclean.

Strachan admitted: "We had more than enough chances to win the game, but there was far more right with our performance than wrong.

"We just have to work on that aspect of the game as well as our awareness in moments of danger. Of course it is frustrating when you have the lead in football matches but don't go on to win them."

Peterborough United: Lewis, Zakuani (Lee 60), Bennett, Geohaghon, Griffiths, Rowe (Batt 67), Diagouraga, Frecklington, Boyd, Mackail-Smith, Mclean. Unused substitutes: McKeown, Coutts, Keates, Green, Simpson.

Middlesbrough: Jones, McMahon, St. Ledger, Wheater, Pogatetz, Yeates (Hoyte 75), Arca, Osbourne, Johnson, Lita, Kitson. Unused substitutes: Coyne, Taylor, Riggott, Digard, Emnes, Bent.

Referee: D Phillips (West Sussex).

Man of the match: Dave Kitson.