Posh Women Under 23s beat Chorley Reserves to advance in FAWNL Reserve League Cup.
Peterborough United Women Under 23s put in a five-star performance against Chorley Women Reserves on Sunday afternoon as they came from behind at the idverde Training Ground to secure a 5-2 victory and book a place in the FA Women’s National League Reserve League Cup second round.
It took less than sixty seconds on the clock before the first shot was unleashed as Robyn Wojnarowski advanced into the box but Megan Dellar dived well to prevent an early breakthrough. Posh immediately returned the pressure with Alicia Podd finding Lauren King on the right but she fired her shot straight at Mischa Turner.
Georgie Oliver bent an effort wide of the post before Katie Gee was well fed by Ellie Curson but curled her shot inches wide. It was Chorley who broke the deadlock just before the quarter hour mark as Sanchia Barberia’s shot was too powerful for Dellar to keep out.
Posh weren’t behind for long as Kendal O’Connor dribbled her way into the box before squaring to OLIVER who equalised from close range. Minutes later, Posh took the lead as Emily MELI closed down the goalkeeper before her clearance ricocheted off the striker and into the back of the net.
The goals continued to come as Ellie CURSON struck a free-kick from outside the box into the top left corner to extend the home side’s lead. Two minutes later, Posh extended their lead as Curson’s corner was knocked into the back of the net by a Chorley player.
Posh added a fifth just after the half hour mark as a ball forward by Curson found O’CONNOR who slotted into the back of the net past Turner. Chorley looked to reduce the deficit shortly before the break as Wojnarowski advanced through on goal but her heavy touch allowed Dellar to clear the ball away.
The under-23s continued to threaten in the second half as Curson’s free-kick fell invitingly at the far post but neither Oliver or Maddie Moore could make a connection. King struck from distance but her effort fell wide of the post before Meli looked to add to her tally as she broke free of her marker but Turner did well to tip the ball around the post.
Dellar was forced into action after the hour mark as Chorley put pressure on Posh, but the forwards’ effort was tipped round the post by Posh’ number thirteen. Oliver went in search of her second of the game as her long range shot ricocheted off the crossbar.
With 10 minutes remaining, Chorley grabbed a late consolation goal as they advanced on the counter attack before Wojnarowski fired past Dellar from close range.
Under 23s coach, John Currall, spoke after the game: “First and foremost, we are very pleased to get the win and to start the season well. The first half we were very good. Having gone behind, the girls’ reacted well and from there they created lots of chances and scored some good goals. It breeds confidence to have had five different scorers across the pitch. Megan (Dellar) made some good saves and we managed to get Grace (Smith) on the pitch too who was also tested.
“Every game in any competition is going to be tough. Chorley gave us a good game today. It’s now a good opportunity to progress in the cup and build confidence ahead of the league starting next week.”
Posh XI: Dellar, King, Richards-Reeves, Sands, Curson, Gee, Podd, Moore, Oliver, O’Connor, Meli. Subs Used: Smith, Akinyemi, Iyawa.