Regan Carthey bagged a hat-trick as Posh under 18s make it six wins from six.

Regan Carthey bagged a hat-trick as the Peterborough United under 18s made it six wins from six as Bournemouth were beaten 3-1 at the Nene Park Academy.

Carthey notched the perfect treble, glancing home a header, finishing well on his right-foot following a swift counter-attack and firing low with his left-foot after good approach play.

Posh played their best football of the season in the first 45 minutes and could have been out of sight against quality opponents, but the visitors put up a spirited fight in the second period and reduced the arrears with a fine strike of their own.

Manager Gavin Strachan was delighted for Carthey, who he believes deserved his three goals for the hard work he has put in over recent weeks and months.

'Bournemouth are a good side and we limited them to one real shot on goal, which they scored from. I was pleased with that. We had over 20 shots on goal and in the first half we could have been out of sight. We played some of the best football of the season.

'Regan was very good, they were a variety of finishes. He took his goals very well. It is just rewards for him because he has worked extremely hard. Regan can link play well and can play as a central striker. He is underrated perhaps, but not by his team-mates, they know how he can build a foundation for attacks. He has been excellent and deserved his hat-trick,' Strachan said.

Carthey has been with Posh for two seasons since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Posh had numerous chances to extend their advantage with Strachan quick to praise the work of 16-year-old Jermaine Anderson, who continues to impress in the centre of midfield.

Posh have two games remaining this season with a trip to Southend United on Saturday followed by a home fixture with Stevenage.

Posh: Lynch, Carter, Lawlor, Burgess, Sage, Anderson, Coulson, Conlon (sub Gordon), Brown (sub trialist), Carthey, McDonald. Subs unused: Ward, Wright.