Peterborough United booked their place in the Professional Development League Cup Final with a statement victory over Cheltenham Town on Tuesday afternoon.
Bolu Shofowoke made it back-to-back hat-tricks in the competition, while Andre Changunda’s double and a stand-alone strike from Noah Freeman eased our Under 18s into the final of the competition.
Jimmy Unwin’s side started on the front-foot, creating the opening chance for SHOFOWOKE who arrived on cue to tap home at the back post.
FREEMAN added to the score-sheet on 33 minutes, linking up well with Joe Davies to advance into the penalty area before powering an effort past Jude Franks.
Posh continued to find joy in-behind the Cheltenham backline and – four minutes later – were rewarded with an opportunity to add a third from the spot. There was no let-up from CHANGUNDA who sent his spot-kick beyond Franks.
SHOFOWOKE continued the rout minutes from the break, after Posh moved the ball back-to-front, opening an opportunity for our front man to slot the ball into the back of the net in trademark fashion.
Posh resumed the second period with renewed energy, with Shofowoke launching an early attack, but his effort was well met by Franks.
SHOFOWOKE remained relentless – causing issues to the Cheltenham backline – before eventually grabbing his hat-trick on 67 minutes after George Holley carried the ball up-field, sliding in Shofowoke who continued to prove inevitable in front of goal.
The visitors dug deep and looked to issue a response as Ieuan Bailey took aim, but Ben Westcott – who had been a bystander for much of the action – was equal to the midfielder’s strike.
Posh added a sixth with 10 minutes left on the clock, as Freeman stood up a ball to CHANGUNDA at the back post, who was on hand to send the ball past Franks.
Jimmy Unwin rang in the changes soon after, giving minutes to Max Beech who featured for the first time after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Cheltenham grabbed a goal back on 85 minutes, as Tom KING capitalised on a defensive mix up, placing the ball past Westcott.
Sheffield United face Colchester United on Wednesday afternoon (2pm) to decide our opponents for the final.
Posh: Westcott, Gbajumo, Mendonca (sub Unwin 83min), Claxton, Freeman, Holley (sub Gilbert 80min), Fox, Changunda, Sykut (sub Beech 80min), Davies (sub McWilliams-Marcano 62min), Shofowoke (sub Fitzpatrick 83min).
Half-time: Posh Under 18s 4-0 Cheltenham Town Under 18s
Full-time: Posh Under 18s 6-1 Cheltenham Town Under 18s