Posh completely changed their starting XI for the second half against the Daniels after going into the break one-goal up via newcomer Siriki Dembele.
The second half featured the remaining three newcomers to Posh with two other mystery trialists but it was 20-year-old striker Matty Stevens who opened proceedings. He doubled Posh’s advantage after he blocked a clearance from the keeper to coolly slot home into the empty net.
Despite all the changes at the break, the pattern of play remained the same as the first-half with Posh dominating although the hosts did create a few more chances. Most of those chances didn’t trouble new goalkeeper Aaron Chapman who won the League Two Golden Glove award last season for keeping the most clean sheets. Sadly for Chapman, he couldn’t start his Posh career with a clean sheet as the defensive trialist made a clumsy challenge to concede a penalty. Stamford’s Adams sent Chapman the wrong way from the spot.
Prior to conceding that goal, Chapman had already shown the promise that attracted Posh when he dashed from his line to smother at the feet of an on-rushing forward. He followed that up with an excellent catch which he quickly distributed but a last ditch tackle stopped Stevens from scoring his second of the match.
George Cooper and ex-Sheffield United youngster Louis Reed both had efforts saved by the home keeper but he could do little about the third Posh goal by Cooper. Stevens then made it number two for himself and number four for Posh after more good work by Cooper before Joe Ward wrapped up the scoring with goal number five when he arrived at the back post to finish off an excellent cross by Reed.
Final Score: Stamford 1 – 5 Peterborough United
Overall, it was a good workout for the squad but much tougher times lie ahead. There will be plenty of mixing and matching of the team in the coming weeks but hopefully it will all come together when the season starts at the start of August.
