Peterborough United Under 18s fell short to Hull City in the Professional Development League on Saturday afternoon. 

It was Zac Jagielka’s spot-kick three minutes from the break that made the difference, as our Under 18s suffered a narrow defeat to Hull City.

Jimmy Unwin’s side went into the afternoon struck by injuries, with Joe Davies, Davon Gbajumo and Fabian Claxton all dropping out of the squad, adding to those already sidelined. 

After our goalscoring exploits last time around, this encounter was completely different; the opening period, especially, simmered – proving to be a cagey affair. 

That said, the visitors had the ball in the back of the net within 13 minutes; however, the assistant referee came to our aid, raising his flag following a dead-ball situation.  

Benji McWilliams-Marcano looked to exploit forward from then-on, latching onto a loose ball from Archie Howard, driving at the Tigers’ backline before seeing an effort well blocked. 

On 22 minutes, Max Beech looked to follow suit, this time, an effort from 20-yards was dealt with comfortably by the City rear-guard. 

Beech was the architect next time around, as our youngsters continued to push for the opener – working an opening for Eddie Fox whose strike couldn’t be kept down. 

Then, on 42 minutes, the visitors found themselves in front. JAGIELKA stepped up from 12-yards after a City man was felled inside the box – putting an end to a half that was otherwise light on goalmouth action. 

Just as it happened an hour earlier, Posh sprung into life and only a one-handed save from Howard denied McWilliams-Marcano from finding the leveller; our wide-man spread the ball out to Beech, who soon returned the favour, with our number 11 forcing a smart stop. 

16 minutes into the restart, and the visitors nearly picked our pockets again when they sprang another counter – but Lucas Dawson’s header narrowly escaped the post. 

Two minutes later and our tails were up again; Bolu Shofowoke looked to repeat his goalscoring antics, rounding Howard, but Calvin Okike came to the rescue on the goal-line. 

With 25 minutes left on the clock – and in response to the lack of attacking output – Jimmy Unwin made a double substitution, as Andre Changunda and Lucca Mendonca entered the fray, tasked with changing the game on opposite ends of the field. 

As the match progressed, City became more defensive in their approach – limiting our youngsters to minimal activity in front of goal. 

Patryk Sykut threatened with an attempt late in the half – as our youngsters attempted to throw bodies forward – but his curling effort was met equally by Howard. 

Our Under 18s will need to dust themselves down for the quick turnaround to Birmingham City on Wednesday afternoon (12pm). 

Posh: Westcott, Trialist A, Unwin (sub Christoudias 81min), Holley (sub Fitzpatrick 46min), Aikins (sub Aikins 64min), Gilbert, McWilliams-Marcano, Fox, Shofowoke, Beech (sub Changunda 64min), Sykut. Subs: Arber. 

Half-time: Posh Under 18s 0-1 Hull City Under 18s   
Full-time: Posh Under 18s 0-1 Hull City Under 18s