Patryk Sykut

Posh Under 21s finished the year beaten finalists in the Maunsell Cup as they were defeated by AFC Rushden & Diamonds on Thursday evening. 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds were crowned Maunsell Cup champions on Thursday evening as they beat Posh Under 21s 2-1 at Hayden Road following a competitive encounter. 

Posh got off to a strong start as Patryk SYKUT managed to get on the end of a lofted ball over the top to round the keeper and open the scoring. However, the home side almost equalised instantly as Jamal Adams found himself through on goal, but he was denied by a brilliant save from Bastian Smith.

The home side levelled on 27 minutes as Cairo TAYLOR found the back of the net with a brilliantly-taken free-kick. Shortly after, the Diamonds were in front as Romeo b fired past Smith from an acute angle.

A number of big saves from Bastian Smith kept Posh alive as the hosts increased the pressure. Posh pushed hard late on and with almost the last kick of the game were denied by Evans. 

Posh Under 21s are back in action in the New Year as they take on Barnsley Under 21s at the idverde Training Ground.

Posh: Smith, Mendonca, Gbajumo, Campbell, Osagie, Rose, McWilliams-Marcano, Young, Shofowoke, Sykut, Changunda. Subs: Westcott, Claxton, Freeman, Holley, Fitzpatrick.