Peterborough United Under 18s secured victory over Colchester United at the idverde Training Ground, courtesy of Bolu Shofowoke’s first-half strike and a Lucca Mendonca brace.
Posh secured all three points in PE2 to provide Jimmy Unwin’s side the perfect start to the league campaign, Shofowoke continued his goalscoring form to provide the hosts with a lead which was later extended by a Mendonca brace to overcome the U’s.
Posh dominated the early spells, Shofowoke was met with an opportunity in the second minute after the frontman latched on to a ball over the visitors’ defence, but the Colchester did well to recover.
Joe Davies had an effort denied on 17 minutes after he drove infield before his effort was well blocked by a yellow shirt. The hosts pressure soon told as Shofowoke tucked the ball into the back of the net from close range to provide Posh with a well-deserved lead.
Colchester pulled level moments later with a neat finish from distance, which cannoned off the post and into the top corner.
Posh fashioned another chance, a whipped delivery found Mendonca in space who restored the lead with a clever finish from close-range.
The second period was less stretched, and Colchester took the game to their counterparts who defended well to retain the advantage.
Ben Wescott was called into action on 56 minutes, a strike from distance was well saved from the shot-stopper, who had been a standout performer on his return to the starting line-up.
Mendonca secured the victory late into the second half, a scramble in the visitors’ penalty area issued the defender a simple finish to secure his brace, and Posh the three points.
Unwin’s side will travel to Wales next Friday, where they look to make it two wins from two against Swansea City.
Posh: Westcott, Freeman, Gbajumo, Unwin (sub Holley, 86min), Mendonca, Gilbert, Davies, Fox, Shofowoke, Beech, Changunda © (sub McWilliams-Marcano). Unused subs: Aikins, Sakalas, Fitzpatrick.
Half-Time: Peterborough United Under 18s 2-1 Colchester United Under 21s
Full-Time: Peterborough United Under 18s 3-1 Colchester United Under 21s