Jack Friend scored twice for the Posh development team as they were beaten 4-2 by West Ham United under 21s.

The Peterborough United development team were beaten 4-2 by the West Ham United under 21s at the Nene Park Academy, but Gary Breen's side put in an excellent display, particularly in the second half against the Hammers.

The visitors, who included former Posh goalkeeper Lee Harrison among their coaching staff, were lively in the opening exchanges with goalkeeper Aidan Grant coming to the rescue on three occasions to thwart ex-Posh striker Jaanai Gordon.

The visitors opened the scoring through Sebastian Lletget who finished clinically as the ball bobbled around the Posh penalty area.

Gordon atoned for several other misses by side-footing the Hammers into a 2-0 lead before Massimo Fanimo extended the advantage to three before the interval.

However, Posh were excellent after the interval and carved out a number of opportunities in front of goal with Jack Friend firing wide and seeing an effort saved before he found the top corner with a superb strike on the angle after a well-timed pass by Tobi Adebayo-Rowling.

Grant McCann, who put in a very good display at the heart of the Posh midfield, saw a free-kick claimed by the keeper and saw a goalbound shot deflected wide of the target as Posh pressed.

Gary Breen's men did reduce the arrears further when Friend finished well after a superb through ball by Erhun Oztumer, who completed 90 minutes as he continues his comeback from injury.

Ricardo Santos headed a McCann corner wide while Harry Anderson missed two presentable opportunities late on, but the latter caught the eye with his work-rate.

Posh midfielder Kane Ferdinand was replaced after 20 minutes due to a facial injury but should be fine for the weekend. James Goode, from the under 16s, performed admirably at centre back.

Posh: Grant (sub Henry), Marshall, Luto, Santos, Goode, McCann, Ferdinand (sub Hood), Oztumer, Friend, H. Anderson, Adebayo-Rowling. Subs unused: Ward, Robinson, Phillips.