Joe Davies scored the only goal of the game as our Under 18s claimed silverware in the Professional Development League Cup.
The Peterborough United Under 18s produced a fine display to lift the Professional Development League Cup for the second time in three seasons after a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United at the home of Vanarama National League side York City on Wednesday evening.
Our youngsters had a hex to break coming up against United, having seen defeat in both encounters this term, but it didn’t take long to settle the nerves, as Andre Changunda’s drive was collected by Coby Hewitson.
Fitzpatrick’s flighted centre then found its way to Changunda, whose effort fell inches from the bottom corner. Patryk Sykut was then awarded an extra yard, roaming forward where he took aim from 20-yards, but the Blades’ keeper was equal to his effort.
Buoyed by their early pressure, our youngsters continued to move up a gear, with Changunda the latest to fire wide.
United responded down the other end, Jevan Beattie looked to make contact with a loose ball, but Fabian Claxton remained equally stoic to cut out the danger despite penalty appeals.
The Blades tried to up the ante, but – much to the story of the evening – Jim O’Brien’s side struggled to get out of first gear, with Dovydas Sasnauskas popping up with a rare opportunity, rising highest to a delivery from wide.
Changunda continued to break down the masked ranks of red shirts, slipping in Davies who let fly from 25-yards, with his effort landing wide.
Then, in the 47th minute, our youngsters got their noses in front as DAVIES’ whipped ball was turned in by the recovering United defender – leaving Hewitson hopeless between the sticks.
With the bit between their teeth, United came under pressure once more, as Davies’ left-footed effort was met by United’s number one.
Jimmy Unwin’s side dialled up the pressure in response, with Sykut seeing two efforts blocked at close range.
Our backline continued to cut out any advances, and held on to secure silverware for the second time in three years.
Posh: Westcott, Mendonca, Fitzpatrick, Holley, Gilbert, Claxton, Davies, Fox, Shofowoke (sub McWilliams-Marcano 92min), Sykut, Changunda. Unused subs: Beech, Sakalas, Joseph, Christoudias.