The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
A result way beyond the wildest of Posh dreams
Only a liar or an eternal optimist could claim to have seen this result coming.
There’s no doubt Posh had it in them to beat a supposedly powerful Sheffield Wednesday side at London Road, but 4-0? That sort of prediction would have you trending on Twitter, and not in a good way.
And yet it happened. Posh delivered a result beyond their own wildest dreams. They dismantled an experienced, physically impressive Owls side with some outstanding attacking football.
Defensively they were excellent too, from goalkeeper Will Norris who made two vital first-half interventions to
Ronnie Edwards, who didn’t look to be disappointed about missing a World Cup with England for this, and full-backs who would prefer to be deployed elsewhere
Joe Ward and Harrison Burrows both contributed to first-half goals with the latter helping set up Jack Taylor for the opening goal and the former smashing a 25-yarder into the top corner via the back of a defender.
And once Posh weathered some set-piece generated pressure at the start of the second-half they ran amok with their pace and quality.
A rapid break ended with Kwame Poku heading Ephron Mason-Clark’s cross home and another clinical counter attack from back to front led to Taylor creating a fourth goal for skipper Jonson Clarke-Harris.
It was heady stuff almost enhanced by Poku’s blast in added time that required a strong save from visiting goalkeeper Cameron Dawson who had done rather less well for the opening goal.
There were still enough alarms at the other end to make Posh aware Thursday night’s second leg will be far from a stroll. Frankie Kent and Edwards both made goalline clearances, the latter with an elbow which could have had more serious consequences if VAR had been in operation.
As it was nothing could spoil one of the great Posh nights.
MATCH FACTS
Posh goals – Taylor (20), Ward (37), Poku (50), ClarkeHarris (82).
Posh cautions – Kent, Poku. Attendance: 12,965 (2.400 Sheff Wed).