The Peterborough United Under 18s were narrowly beaten 2–4 by Wigan Athletic U18 at home, despite showing strong character and determination right until the final moments. While the scoreline was disappointing, the performance reflected a side that continued to compete and respond under pressure.
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both teams locked in a physical midfield battle and few clear opportunities created. Wigan broke the deadlock in the 27th minute before extending their lead from the penalty spot on 34 minutes. The Posh remained composed in response, with Shofowoke heading narrowly wide from Mendonca’s pass following a corner, before gradually adapting to Wigan’s aggressive pressing and finding improved rhythm in possession.
At the start of the second half, the Posh introduced Sammour in goal as part of a tactical adjustment aimed at building more effectively from the back. The change was accompanied by a noticeable increase in intensity, as the hosts pressed higher and sought a route back into the contest. The introduction of winger Simmons also added greater attacking variety and width. However, Wigan added a third goal on 57 minutes to stretch their advantage.
The Posh continued to respond positively. Arber produced a crucial sliding tackle on 61 minutes to halt a dangerous counter-attack, before centre-back Aikins was introduced two minutes later to inject fresh energy into the defensive unit. The substitutions helped lift the tempo, providing a platform for a sustained push forward.
That pressure paid off in the 67th minute when Shofowoke drove into the right side of the box before squaring the ball for MLITYALWA, who finished calmly to reduce the deficit. Further attacking intent followed, with Joseph replaced by the more advanced Fitzpatrick as the Posh committed additional numbers forward. Simmons later forced a fine save after an impressive run down the left, while Shofowoke was denied again late on after meeting Bushell’s well-weighted through ball.
Deep into stoppage time, on 90+2 minutes, MCWILLIAMS-MARCANO pulled a goal back for the Posh as they continued to push until the very end, reducing the deficit to 3–2. Moments later, Shofowoke drew a second yellow card from a Wigan defender, earning a dangerous free-kick and giving the hosts hope of a dramatic equaliser. Throwing everyone forward in search of a leveller, the Posh were ultimately caught on the counter, with Wigan scoring again on 90+5 minutes to seal the result.
Despite the late setback, the Posh’s reaction, intensity and commitment until the final whistle stood out as clear positives. Lead Under 18s Coach Jimmy Unwin said: “The result is disappointing, but there were a lot of positives in the way the players responded and approached the game. After conceding goals, they kept their heads up and continued to show what we’ve been working on, pushing right to the end and scoring twice. Experiences like this are invaluable for the group’s development. After the next fixture against Daventry, we’ll use the Christmas break to refresh and come back stronger.”
Posh: Bucknor (sub Sammour 46 min), Bushell, Joseph (sub Fitzpatrick 74 min), Christoudias, Mendonca, Arber (sub Aikins 63 min), McWilliams-Marcano, Ndonjang, Shofowoke, Crozier (sub Simmons 52 min), Mlityalwa. Unused Subs: Dagne.