Peterborough United Under 21s suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the Professional Development League on Friday afternoon.
A George Brown strike saw the hosts go a goal up six minutes from the break, before the defender added to his tally in the second half – either side of Jay Buchan’s effort.
Ryan Semple named a similar side from last time around; seven of the named starters were also involved in the Under 18s semi-final success earlier in the week.
Neither side were able to assert full dominance on the game in the opening exchanges, with the game remaining in the balance.
The first half chance fell to Andre Changunda who opened up an angle to let fly within two minutes, failing to test Killian Barrett in the process.
At the other end, Posh were aided by the assistant referee’s flag when the hosts thought they had found the breakthrough from a set-piece routine – with the score remaining 0-0.
Ma’Kel Campbell looked to grab a foothold in the fixture, driving his team up-field before dragging an effort well wide.
The hosts continued to use set-pieces as an outset to attack – this time the Wednesday man rose highest above his marker following an in-swinging delivery, but his headed attempt sailed wide.
After a lull in chances, BROWN found the opening goal for the hosts, picking out the bottom corner from around 25-yards.
Before the half was up, Patryk Sykut looked for the leveller, calling Barrett into action with a smart stop.
Posh were gifted an opportunity soon after the restart when Wednesday failed to clear their lines, with Joe Davies pouncing on the loose ball – sending his strike wide.
Less than a minute later and Posh were made to rue the missed opportunity. Joey Phuthi worked the ball well to BUCHAN, cutting the ball back into a simple position for the latter to finish.
BROWN added a quick third – and his second – drifting into space, with a simple finish left to follow at the back post.
Lead Professional Development Phase Lead Coach (U21s) Ryan Semple said: “For sustained periods we had decent control in the game, however we lacked a cutting edge in the final third throughout. The quick second and third goals killed the momentum we had to get back in the game. It’s massively important the players learn individually and collectively to ensure we’re better in the coming matches.”
Posh: Smith, Young, Gbajumo, Campbell, Sumnall, Mendonca, McWilliams-Marcano, Fox (sub Holley 68min), Davies (sub Claxton 68min), Sykut (sub Beech 60min), Changunda (sub Fitzpatrick 78min). Subs: Westcott.
Half-time: Sheffield Wednesday Under 21s 1-0 Posh Under 21s
Full-time: Sheffield Wednesday Under 21s 3-0 Posh Under 21s