MACCLESFIELD continued their dismal start to the season with a woeful second half performance at Peterborough.

After a solid performance in the first half, the Silkmen fell apart less than a minute after the restart and never looked like getting back into the match.

Facing an impressive Peterborough front three, the defence held firm for most of the first half, although Justin Richards should have opened the scoring after 20 minutes, firing over the bar from close range.

Macc had their own opportunities, but Matty McNeil wasted his chance, weakly shooting straight at Posh keeper Mark Tyler after Jamie Tolley had released him.

Peterborough had the upper hand but couldnét capitalise on their pressure and the teams went in at the break on level terms.

Macc went a goal a minute into the second half, former Leicester City striker Trevor Benjamin glancing in a cross from Jamie Dayés left flank to give the hosts the lead.

Man of the match Benjamin doubled his quick-fire tally just minutes later, powering the ball over Brain after the keeper had parried an effort from Dean Holden for a 2-0 lead.

Macclesfieldés misery increased shortly before the hour mark, when Kevin McIntyre was harshly shown a red card for a late tackle on Richards at the halfway line and there was no way back.

Peterborough went three up, courtesy of some woeful defending shortly after McIntyreés sending-off. Simon Yeo was given too much time to turn and get his shot off, which was well saved by the constantly busy Brain but the ball cannoned back into the corner of the net off Andrew Teagueés shin.

The Silkmensé only consolation was their first goal from open play in the closing minutes, stand-in captain Danny Swailes nodding in Jimmy McNultyés cross.

Deep in stoppage time McNeil squandered another great opportunity as his touch let him down when racing clear, but it was all too little too late in a match in which the 3-1 scoreline flattered Macclesfield.

The result put Peterborough in second spot in League Two, while Brian Hortonés men have taken just one point from the opening 12 available.