Posh knocked out of FA Youth Cup after defeat at Doncaster Rovers.
The Peterborough United under 18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup after a 4-2 defeat at Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday night with a late header from Liam Mandeville securing a tie against Norwich City at the Keapmoat for Rovers.The Posh youngsters made a bright start to the cup-tie, enjoying the lions share of the possession in the opening exchanges, but with 10 minutes on the clock, neither side had forced an effort on goal.
Jack Friend, playing just behind the strikers, volleyed wide from 25-yards moments later after winning the ball in a central area.
The deadlock was broken on 11 minutes and it was simple in it's execution. A long ball forward was flicked on by Jack McKay into the path of Liam MANDEVILLE who poked the ball past the advancing Henry.
The Posh shot-stopper then atoned for an initial error by denying McKay from point blank range as Posh began to panic. Henry was well placed to deny the goalscorer on the quarter hour mark after a sliced clearance from Robinson caused pandemonium at the back.
Liam Marshall curled a free-kick over the bar after Phillips was felled 25-yards from goal. Posh drew themselves level on 38 minutes as a driven cross from Luto was dropped under pressure by McLaren and FRIEND was there to nod the ball over the line from close-range.
Henry did well to push a Alex Head shot around the post at the other end as the hosts tried to get themselves back in front immediately.
On 41 minutes, the hosts did get themselves in front as a cross to the back post was converted by Aron GORDON. Edwards was denied by McLaren on the stroke of half-time after cutting inside from the left following a strong run from Robinson.
On 49 minutes, Edwards curled over the top from 25-yards after a good lay-off from Friend. Posh were screaming for a penalty kick on 57 minutes as Friend took a tumble in the box, but referee Mr McGrath gave nothing.
Goalkeeper Jack McLaren produced a stunning double stop to deny a fierce Friend drive and then to prevent Edwards from firing home the rebound from point blank range as Posh pressed.
Posh drew themselves level from a second set-piece as another driven corner from Luto caught out the Doncaster keeper McLaren and EDWARDS was there to power home a header from three yards.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes, the hosts got themselves in front and following the pattern of the evening, it was a from a set-piece. A free-kick was flighted into the box and MANDEVILLE got across his man and glanced a header into the far corner.
Posh pushed for a leveller and had a late penalty appeal for handball turned down by the referee. Deep into stoppage time, Doncaster made it four as MANDEVILLE completed his hat-trick with a classy finish.
Doncaster: McLaren, Greasley, Carberry, Head, P. McKay, Davies (sub Parkin 65min), J. McKay, Mandeville (sub Longbottom 90min), Gordon, Linley, Williamson. Unused subs: Iveson, Fielding, Barker.
Posh: Henry, Ward, Robinson, Marshall, Anderson, Keating, Hood (sub Da-Silva-Lopes 87min), Luto, Friend, Phillips, Edwards. Unused subs: Ravas, Ford, Lee, Humphrey.
Half time: Doncaster Rovers under 18s 2-1 Peterborough United under 18s
Full-time: Doncaster Rovers under 18s 3-2 Peterborough United under 18s