Posh U16s progress to the final of the Under-16 Professional Development League Cup.
Peterborough United U16s secured their spot in the final of the Under-16 Professional Development League Cup after Edward Fox’s second half strike claimed a 1-0 victory over Cardiff City U16s on Tuesday evening at the Abbey Lawn.
Posh started the game brightly and had a good opportunity to open the deadlock inside the opening few minutes as a ball over the top found Bolu Shofowoke advancing into the box, but he could only send his effort wide of the far-post. However, as the first half progressed, the visitors grew into the game and caused the Posh defence a few problems, but it remained level at the break.
The deadlock was broken on 55 minutes as Fox advanced into the box before slotting the ball home into the bottom corner via the inside of the post. Despite the visitors pushing for an equaliser, Youth Development Phase Lead Coach, Elio Salerno (pictured above), was delighted with how his side managed to see the game out after going ahead in the second half to secure their spot in the final of the competition.
“We started the game well and had a good chance early on, but Cardiff grew into the game as the first half progressed and forced our goalkeeper into some good saves. We kind of needed the break as I felt they had the momentum, so we managed to address a few issues at half time and they were dealt with better in the second half.
“The players established themselves more and knew we needed a bit of composure when the moment came because we were confident of creating a few opportunities, and fortunately we took one in the second half. After that, it was always about managing the game and we did that very well, which ultimately got us through the game and into the final.
“I’m delighted for the players. The reaction from everyone is what you are in football for. It turned out to be a fantastic day for the whole academy with us and the under 18s progressing to the final. I’m just so proud of how they stood up to the challenge of a really good opposition,” Salerno said.
Posh XI: Sakalas, Freeman, Esfahani, Trialist, Claxton, Gilbert, Davies, Fox, Shofowoke, Unwin, Changunda.
Subs: Kovaci, May, Makis, Graves, Sykut.