EFL Youth Alliance Merit Division action
A young Northampton Town youth team, including a number of U16s, welcomed league leaders Peterborough to Moulton College on Saturday morning in their latest EFL Youth Alliance Merit Division fixture.
The game started evenly, with both teams playing at a high tempo. Although Northampton had early chances, it was Peterborough who struck first after the ball fell kindly to their attacker in the area.
There was almost an instant reply for Town, as Cobblers' no. 10 Ethan Lamptey embarked on a fine solo run, however the final shot hit the side netting.
The visiting side managed to double their lead shortly after.
Northampton piled on the pressure in the run up to half time, with it paying off when Shama Bako struck a magnificent left footed strike leaving United's goalkeeper helpless, meaning the Cobblers faced a one goal deficit going into half time.
The Cobblers kept up the pressure after the break, with a series of chances going narrowly wide.
The equaliser came after tireless pressing from Lewis Irwin. After winning the ball back on the right wing and darting forward, he put a dangerous ball into the box which was converted by Lamptey.
Northampton almost grabbed a third shortly after, only prevented by last ditch defending from Peterborough, however it was the away side who managed to clinch the winning goal.
“We started slowly with a very young side,” said Professional Development Phase Coach Mark Lyons.
“It was an excellent response from the lads to get it back to 2-2 but in going for the win we got caught on the break.
“We’ve got some of the under 16s coming through now and overall it was a positive start to a new chapter.”