Posh U21s secure hard-fought victory over Rovers in the Premier League Cup.
Peterborough United U21s concluded their Premier League Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers U21s at Lancashire FA County Ground on Friday evening after goals from Johnson Gyamfi and Reuben Marshall in the second half.
Rovers created the first opportunity as Dominik Biniek's free-kick from the edge of the box was deflected behind for a corner. The hosts got behind Posh defence on six minutes as Junior Nsangou raced through on-goal, but Emmanuel Fernandez recovered well to make a great challenge inside the box.
Nsangou was inches away from breaking the deadlock on two occasions in quick succession, failing to get a touch on Leonard Duru’s low cross into the box before sending a header wide of the post. Posh first opportunity fell to Will Van Lier as he met Oscar Tonge’s cross at the front-post, but could only send his header over the bar.
Gyamfi saw a curling effort on his right-foot whistle past the far-post as Posh finished the half strongly in Lancashire. Will Lakin was forced into a good save on the stroke of half-time, diving to his right to push Kristi Montgomery’s effort away.
Posh made a change at the break as Oliver Rose replaced Ashton Fox, and the midfielder was straight into the action as he advanced into the box before being bundled to the floor, which saw the referee award a penalty. Gyamfi stepped up and calmly converted to give Posh the lead on 47 minutes.
Luke Harris should have doubled Posh lead on 55 minutes as Rose’s pass found the midfielder at the back-post, but his effort could only find the side-netting. Posh doubled their advantage on 59 minutes and it was two of the U18s linking up as Rose found Reuben Marshall inside the box with a clever pass and he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Roddy McGlinchey was close to adding a third as Oscar Tonge’s corner was met by the midfielder, who saw his effort hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce back out. The hosts pulled a goal back just a minute later as Biniek converted from the spot.
Speaking after the game, Ryan Semple said: “It was a good performance. I think the first part of the game saw the players feeding themselves back into it, obviously with the lack of minutes in recent weeks, and we were our worst enemy at times, giving the ball away at unnecessary times. But, we grew into the game and started the second half really well, created plenty of opportunities and should have scored more.
“The players stuck together and we spoke about resting when we had possession of the ball, especially when you have players cramping up near the end. We moved the ball well, could have scored more goals with a bit more quality, but the players can be happy with the performance. A good start to our first game of the year.”
Posh XI: Lakin, Thomas, Fernandez, Fox (Rose, 46min), Tonge, Lamb (Marcon, 83min), McGlinchey, Harris, Gyamfi, Chiha, Van Lier (Marshall, 55min).
Subs Not Used: Laycock.