Posh Women Under 23s secure 1-1 draw with The Rams.
Peterborough United Women Under 23s earnt a well-deserved point against league leaders Derby County Development on Sunday afternoon at the idverde Training Ground, with Alice Akinyemi on target for Michael Allsebrook’s side in FAWNL Reserves Midlands Division action.
It was a bright start from the opposition as Cait Deeley struck from the edge of the box but her effort was straight at Megan Dellar. Posh immediately replied as a free-kick from Jess Abrantes was knocked on by Maddie Moore towards AKINYEMI who composed before slotting past Zoe Millington.
The lead didn’t last long as The Ram’s as they drew level two minutes later from a free header at the back post. Derby continued to create chances as Hope Brassington delivered a dangerous low cross along the goal-line but no player in white could connect. Posh had a chance to retake the lead on the stroke of half time as Abrantes stepped over a free-kick but sent her strike over the woodwork.
Dellar was forced into action not long after the restart as the Rams’ forward struck from distance before Faith Iyawa was forced to block a shot from close range. Derby had the ball in the back of the net just before the hour mark as the forward pounced on a deflected shot but the referee correctly ruled for offside.
Williams continued to attack for the Rams’ and forced Dellar to palm the ball away on several occasions late on. Both sides looked to secure a win late on as Rebecca Mears looked to outwit Millington from a cross-shot but the goalkeeper recovered well to tip over the post.
Manager Allsebrook spoke after the game: “The girls’ were outstanding today from start to finish; a few weeks ago, that game would have gone a different way. The players that were on the bench last week have started today and proved a point. Overall, a great performance and a well deserved point.
“Alice (Akinyemi) took her goal well. She started the game well in the first half and did a good job when she came back on later on. It was a well-worked goal and she showed composure to convert the chance. The back five were outstanding today. We spoke before about having the desire to get stuck in and defend, block shots and crosses, and they’ve done that today. Megan’s (Dellar) made some good saves to keep us in it. We got a few injuries today but we’ve not got a game next week so its’ worked out well in that sense, they’ve got time to recover.”
Posh XI: Dellar, Richards-Reeves, Podd, Iyawa, Abrantes, Riley, Mears, Moore, Akinyemi, Gee, T.Smith.
Used Subs: Cooper, King, Oliver, O’Connor.
Unused Sub: G.Smith.