The Posh Under 18s earned their first point of the Professional Development League season in their opening home fixture.
The Peterborough United Under 18s played out a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic at the Mick George Training Academy, with Nathan Aikins finding the net in the first half.
The visitors made a bright start and forced a series of early openings, but goalkeeper Ben Westcott produced several excellent saves to keep the scores level. Gradually,
Posh settled into the game, enjoying more possession and creating chances of their own. The breakthrough came midway through the first half as AIKINS showed great composure inside the box to convert from a cross.
The centre-back pairing of Arber and Aikins, along with the defensive line as a whole, provided a strong platform at the back throughout the first period.
After the restart, the game entered a quieter spell, though Posh came close to doubling their advantage when Sykut struck from a corner.
Substitutes Simmons and Norville added energy in the final third, but it was Charlton Athletic who grew into the half and eventually equalised with just over ten minutes remaining.
Despite conceding, Posh defended set-pieces resolutely and showed real determination to hold firm against sustained pressure in the closing stages.
Lead Under 18s Coach Jimmy Unwin said afterwards: “Overall, I was pleased with the performance. The first half was very good, and although Charlton came on strongly in the second half and we conceded, the players stood firm. The only frustration from that first half was that we should have scored more goals. Aikins took his chance well, the defenders were excellent, and I was really encouraged by the winning mentality the lads showed.”
Posh: Westcott, Bushall, Joseph, Christoudias, Arber, Aikins, McWilliams-Macrano, Mlityalwa (sub Norville 71min), Shofowoke (sub Simmons 64min), Sykut, Fitzpatrick. Unused subs: Ndonjang, Bucknor, Fraser.