Posh under 23s beaten 4-2 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
A Peterborough United under 23 side, containing four young trialists, were beaten 4-2 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the latest Development League fixture with striker Lewis Darlington bagging a brace for Posh.
Darlington converted from the spot and finished well from close-range in stoppage time, but in the end, the Blades were too strong for Matthew Etherington’s men who welcomed back Aaron Powell at left-back after a long injury lay-off.
Without a host of regulars at under 23 level including Kai Corbett, Joe Taylor, Emmanuel Fernandez, Kyle Barker, Kellan Hickinson and Luke Harris, Posh were level at 0-0 at half-time thanks in part to some excellent saves from goalkeeper Will Blackmore and some solid defending.
The Blades opened up a two-goal cushion inside the opening quarter of the second period as highly-rated Hassan Ayari found the back of the net twice in as many minutes, the second a wonderfully taken effort after some quick feet in the Posh penalty area.
Darlington reduced the arrears from the spot, but the Blades, who were in the Posh group during that particular phase of the Premier League Cup, scored twice in the final 10 minutes through Will Lankshear, the second a fine effort into the top corner from just inside the box, sealed all three points despite Darlington’s consolation deep into stoppage time.
Blackmore made a number of good saves in the second period as Posh battled gamely, particularly given the average age of the squad and the number of trialists on duty. The under 23s were in action at Millwall on Friday and are due to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup on Sunday 10th April (2pm).
Admission into that game with Wolves at the Weston Homes Stadium will be free for season ticket holders with non-season ticket holders allowed to watch for £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.
Posh: Blackmore, Powell, Trialist A, Peters, Thomas, Trialist B, Van Lier, Trialist C, Darlington, Trialist D, McGlinchey.