Striker Brad Rolt nets a hat-trick in fine win over local rivals Cambridge United.

The Peterborough United under 18s continued their fine form with a convincing 4-0 victory over local rivals Cambridge United in their latest PUMA Youth Alliance League fixture with striker Brad Rolt netting a fine hat-trick.

Posh were ruthless in front of goal and showed a different side to their game for the final half an hour after being reduced to 10-men following the dismissal of Nicky Gyimah. Matthew Etherington’s men were also without the services of Ricky-Jade Jones who was away with the first team, although recent recruit Bobby Copping did get 45 minutes under his belt following his arrival from Bury.

Assistant manager Simon Davies said: “We weren’t at our best in possession if I am honest with you, we have had more control in recent games but we were clinical when we had our chances. We were 3-0 up at half-time, but we had a player sent off after 55 minutes or so and had to change our shape and see the game out.

“Brad Rolt was absolutely brilliant. I think naturally he would have been disappointed not to be involved in the first team squad for the Leasing.com Trophy tie because a lot of his team-mates were called up but it was to do with the make-up of the 18, nothing to do with Brad. Kieran Scarff and Matty had a chat with him about it and he put in a superb display.

“He showed what a great prospect he is. It is always nice to win a local derby. It was a competitive game as you would have expected it to be. We had to manage the game with 10-men and that is a good learning curve for them. We have a tough run of fixtures coming up but we are looking forward to the challenge.”

Posh face Luton today (Saturday) before games with AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town in the next few weeks before the FA Youth Cup programme begins.

Posh: Allen, Copping, Mensah, Rudette-Gregory, Powell, O’Connell, Jones, Harris, Ruzvidzo, Rolt, Gyimah.