The Posh’s greater need for a result saw them have the majority of the chances and although they could not end a seven-game winless run, one point was enough to ensure fourth-from-bottom Exeter can no longer overtake them.

Peterborough’s Kyrell Lisbie had the game’s first big chance when he was put in behind by Jacob Mendy’s long ball, but Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts came out to smother his attempt.

Into the second half, a good ball by Archie Collins created a chance for David Kamara whose shot was beaten away by Roberts at his near post.

From the resulting corner, Roberts flapped at Collins’ cross and was relieved to see Posh defender David Okagbue lift his shot over from close range.

Roberts thwarted the hosts again when he kept out Lisbie’s volley before Rhys Oates gave them a scare in stoppage time when he bent a shot wide from just outside the area.