Peterborough United Under 21s put an end to Bristol City’s unbeaten start to the new year on Tuesday afternoon.
Our Under 21s gave away an early goal in both halves, but a brace from Chris Conn-Clarke and goals from Ricky-Jade Jones and Andre Changunda secured Posh the victory at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Ryan Semple named his side against the backdrop of no senior match in midweek; Kwame Poku started from the outset for the first time since the first week of December, joining Ricky-Jade Jones, Mahamadou Susoho and Chris Conn-Clarke who all needed some valuable minutes.
Poku caused the Robins’ backline some early problems, who handled the pressure well in the first instance, cutting out advances on the busy right flank.
Posh continued to use the wide options as an outset to attack; Poku drove his side up-field, feeding the path of Conn-Clarke whose effort fell to Jones, firing at Joe Duncan – who dove low to his right to keep the score level.
City stayed firm and took the lead on 11 minutes when Joseph JAMES poked home from a set-piece swung in from the right side.
From that point onwards, City found sustained attacks difficult to come by, with Kai Churchley continuing to arrive down the left – seeing multiple efforts blocked.
With both sides continuing to trade chances, CONN-CLARKE stepped up to find the leveller on 19 minutes. Poku resumed normal service, teeing up the 23-year-old for a simple finish from 12-yards.
It was a fairly quiet opening period for Will Blackmore with Billy Phillips’ testing strike being the only notable opportunity for the visitors.
At the other end, chances were aplenty. Poku’s cross-field ball was picked up by Harley Mills who sent a ball into the penalty area to find JONES sliding it home on 41 minutes.
The second period started with City starting on the front foot as they drew level through Jack GRIFFIN, who placed the ball into an empty net after Churchley had his initial effort saved.
CONN-CLARKE then found his second of the afternoon – and Posh’s third – on 60 minutes, seeing his in-swinging delivery bounce awkwardly in front of the Robins’ goalkeeper.
In a topsy-tervy afternoon, City worked the next opening – this time Tim Ap-Sion tested Blackmore who dealt with the danger comfortably.
Midway through the second period, Conn-Clarke came inches away from his hat-trick, once again being denied by Duncan.
CHANGUNDA put his side in the driving seat on 73 minutes, when the 17-year-old arrived on cue to latch onto Benji McWilliams-Marcano’s misplaced shot at the back post.
From there, Posh had a foothold in the remaining minutes - seeing out the contest to secure a first win since mid-February.
Posh: Blackmore, Mendonca, Katongo, Nevett, Mills, Susoho (sub Campbell 74min), O’Brien-Brady, Changunda, Conn-Clarke, Poku (sub McWilliams-Marcano 46min), Jones. Subs: Sumnall, Smith, Young.
Half-time: Posh Under 21s 2-1 Bristol City Under 21s
Full-time: Posh Under 21s 4-2 Bristol City Under 21s