Posh Under 18s make a long-awaited return to Professional Development League action on Saturday (1pm) with Barnsley serving as the first competitive test of calendar year.
Peterborough United Under 18s will play out their first competitive minutes since mid-December when Hull City claimed a 4-2 victory on Humberside.
Our development phase have kept up to scratch with match sharpness in the meantime, playing out friendlies against Category One opponents, Nottingham Forest and Norwich City respectively.
Jimmy Unwin will look to carry the momentum into Saturday after Rylie Fitzpatrick’s double secured victory in the most recent test against the Canaries.
Saturday’s opponents, Barnsley, opened their 2025 account with the 2-0 success over Birmingham City last weekend owing to second-half goals from Kieran Graham and Will Thompson.
TEAM NEWS
There are no fresh injury concerns, but minutes are expected to be managed with a chunk of the group having had a seven-week break from league action.
Milan Kovaci and Max Beech remain sidelined as they continue to nurse their own injury concerns.
THE OPPOSITION
Barnsley sit eighth in the North table having picked up 21 points from 16 league matches. Sam Collins’ side have seen six victories, three draws and seven defeats over the course of the campaign, with a victory on Saturday enough to see the Tykes climb into fifth position.
FROM THE MANAGER
“It’s been a long while since we’ve played in the league, but we’re pleased to get a game in and hopefully three points where it matters. The last two performances have been pleasing against tough oppositions so when we come to league format we’re looking to see if we can put together another good performance and result. It comes no harder than Barnsley who are very good at what they do and difficult to beat so we have to be at our best on the day,” Professional Development Phase (Under 18s) Lead Coach Jimmy Unwin said.
LIVE UPDATES
Updates of the game will be available on The Posh Academy X account, with post-match reaction also accessible on Posh+.
VENUE
The fixture will take place at the idverde Training Ground.