Peterborough United Women suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Cambridge United in the FAWNL Cup.

Jake Poole made changes from the side that beat Sutton Coldfield 5-1 last weekend – and with that, the team adapted well and brought the game to their opponents.

But despite a late push, goals from Jade Bell and Mia Richards before the break were enough to give the U’s victory at PIMS Park.

Both sides were well acquainted, having faced each other back in July when we came out 2-1 winners on the road – and today looked set up to be another classic derby day.

Cambridge came forward early when Zoe Wood tried her luck on goal, but the early danger signs were well dealt with by our backline.  

Keir Perkins then worked an attack at the other end - looking to give over 400 of our young supporters something to celebrate early on – but Lauren Webb was quick to clear her lines.

The ball was knocked free to Courtney Clarke, whose drive was blocked behind by the U’s defence to deny the midfielder her second goal in as many games.

Perkins continued to build on the pressure, racing in behind the visitors’ defensive line before sending in Rebecca Mears, who lacked the necessary purchase inside the six-yard box.

The U’s responded with a chance of their own, this time Richards’ strike from distance was comfortable for Neive Corry – before BELL broke the deadlock in the derby.

The visitors’ number ten found space just inside the box, before finishing neatly into the bottom corner.

Poole’s side had no time to settle before they were two behind. This time RICHARDS’ shot dipped underneath the crossbar from distance to give his side an uphill task to climb.

Freya Andersen launched an attack in response, heading over Webb, before the recovering U’s defender did well to clear on the line.

Our number 24 was holding the threat in attack, and thought she pulled one back when she arrowed her shot into the bottom corner – but the assistant referee on the far side raised his flag for offside.

Lauren Wilshaw came close with ten minutes left on the watch, in a similar fashion to her goal last time around at PIMS Park, this time hitting the woodwork from her wide delivery.

The visitors followed suit when Wood rattled the crossbar, owing to a touch from Corry, who did well to work her feet and move across the goal.

Posh grew to find their rhythm after the break, with Clarke and Wilshaw both having efforts met by Webb.

Emily Meli then found a yard inside the visitors’ penalty area, going for the bottom corner before the ball was cleared behind to Meg Lawlor, whose effort also had no luck.

Renai Bennett continued the newfound attacking intent, working a shooting angle inside the U’s danger area, hitting her effort wide after good work down the right to set up an opportunity for the midfielder.

Hayley James’ effort from inside the area was then marshalled by Webb, in turn sending the visitors on the break, where Richards’ strike from distance was wayward.

Wilshaw was next to plot – switching over to the right side – forcing the U’s defender to turn the ball into the back of the net for an own goal. Posh pressed in the dying moments, but couldn't force an equaliser that they deserved based on the second half display.

Posh: Corry, Driscoll-King, Sharpe, Connor (sub Osker 62min), Curson (sub James 46min), Clarke (sub Lawlor 62min), Mears, Stanford (sub Bennett 46min), Perkins (sub Meli 62min), Wilshaw, Andersen.

Half-time: Posh Women 0-2 Cambridge United Women
Full-time: Posh Women 1-2 Cambridge United Women