Peterborough United will travel to Stamford Bridge after home success over Notts County
Peterborough United set up a trip to Premier League leaders Chelsea after a 2-0 win over Notts County in a second round replay at the ABAX Stadium.The deadlock in this contest was inside the opening three minutes as a superb cross from Michael Smith was met by the in-form Gwion EDWARDS who powered home a header into the bottom corner.
It was 2-0 to Grant McCann's men on seven minutes and we think we are pretty much nailed on for the Goal of the Season award, Paul TAYLOR picks the ball up in his own half, turns, runs at the back four and then unleashes a stupendous curler into the top corner from 25-yards.
Taylor tested Loach from distance on 13 minutes after a poor clearance from Duffy. Coulthirst smashed a shot inches past the near post from distance on 17 minutes after linking well with strike partner Nichols.
Forte was denied by McGee on 25 minutes and from the resulting set-piece, Nichols was well positioned by the post to clear as Duffy met the corner with a powerful header.
McGee tipped over a fierce Richards drive on the half hour as the visitors, rather like the tie at Meadow Lane, put together a spell of sustained pressure.
Posh were dealt an injury blow on 34 minutes as Taylor limped off clutching his hamstring, Brad Inman his replacement.
Notts County were awarded a penalty kick on 38 minutes as McGee was adjudged to have felled Stead. The experienced front man stepped up from the spot, but McGee made a fine save and then Bostwick blocked the rebound.
Tafazolli planted a header wide of the target on 42 minutes from a driven corner kick as the first half drew to a close.
Coulthirst saw a shot blocked after an excellent touch from Da Silva Lopes on 47 minutes. McGee was called upon again to deny Stead on 51 mintues as the striker let fly on the volley as Posh failed to clear a Smith free-kick.
Notts County made a change on 57 minutes with Adam Campbell replacing Richards and seconds later, the visitors were cursing their luck as Forte raced clear and perfected a lob over McGee from an acute angle which hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play.
Nichols just failed to get a touch to a wayward header back towards Loach as Notts nearly gifted Posh a third. Tafazolli then saw a towering header beaten away by goalkeeper Loach before the same player headed over at the back post from the resulting set-piece.
Coulthirst fired straight at Loach after a smart turn on 68 minutes following a forceful run from first half substitute Inman. Nichols curled over the top with his left-foot after a smart turn on 70 minutes.
Posh made their second change on 73 minutes with on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man Nathan Oduwa replacing Coulthirst.
Tafazolli nodded a driven Forrester corner kick wide of the target on 78 minutes after good play from the substitute Oduwa ahead of the set-piece.
Nichols saw a left-foot shot deflect wide of the near post for a corner moments later after a good pass from Inman. Nichols then powered a header wide after an excellent first time Bostwick cross with the frustration beginning to show on the striker.
Milsom tried his luck on 84 minutes with McGee equal to the effort, tipping it over the crossbar for a corner kick. The resultant set-piece was headed wide by Tootle.
Edwards was replaced by Jerome Binnom-Williams on 87 minutes as McCann made his final switch of the evening.
Posh: McGee, Smith, Hughes, Bostwick, Tafazolli, Edwards (sub Binnom-Williams 87min), Forrester, Taylor, (sub Inman 34min) Coulthirst (sub Oduwa 73min), Da Silva Lopes, Nichols. Unused subs: Tyler, Almeida Santos, Nabi, Chettle.
Notts County: Loach, Tootle, Smith (sub Collins 72min), Duffy, Hollis, Forte, Milsom, Thompson, Richards (sub Campbell 57min), Stead (sub Oliver 67min), Audel. Unused subs: Collin, Dickinson, Laing, Hewitt.
Half-time: Peterborough United 2-0 Notts County
Full-time: Peterborough United 2-0 Notts County
Attendance: 7,796 (475 Notts County fans)