Who Impressed (and Who Didn’t) in Posh U21s Win

With a bloated squad, today’s U21s game against Colchester gave Darren Ferguson a chance to give valuable minutes to players on the fringes of his squad.

Photo Credit : Joe Dent / Peterborough United

The manager was in attendance, as Posh won 2-1 with two goals from Klaidi Lolos. 

But he would not have been pleased with several of the performances from his established players. 

I have rated them all. 

Vicente Reyes - 5.5

Largely untested but managed to make the first half look difficult, in particular, with a few sketchy moments with the ball at his feet. Beaten at the near post for the goal conceded, although was unsighted. 

James Dornelly - 6

A steady display in central defence with no moments of note. JD was vocal throughout as captain, and looked fresh. A good opportunity to get some minutes in the tank, given that he is now third choice right back.

Fabian Claxton - 6.5

It looked like it could be a tough game against a physical strike partnership for the U21s stalwart in defence, however he looked comfortable and won most of his headers. Claxton passed the ball with urgency, looking the most bothered throughout and showing the game the respect that it deserved.

Lucca Mendonca - 7

Very good both on and off the ball, oozes composure when bringing the ball out of defence. A really classy operator who I would already tip to have a good future in the first team.

Cian Hayes - 5

A turgid performance from the first-teamer, who looked energetic but completely lacked quality. His crosses were particularly poor, either overhit or failing to beat the first man. 

Donay O’Brien-Brady - 6

Was progressive with his passing if slightly lazy out of possession. Had an easy job as he was rarely put under pressure. 

Joe Andrews - 6 

Ran his socks off and moved the ball quickly, was a real engine in midfield. His score was knocked down by two poor moments - a hospital pass back to Reyes in the first half nearly resulting in a goal, and a horrid tackle in the second half which somehow went unpunished. 

Harley Mills - 5

A poor performance for someone who should have looked imperious in this game. Was often wasteful with possession, and dragged out of position. Visibly frustrated throughout. His corners were characteristically good, though. 

Patryk Sykut - 7

Can’t say I knew much about him, but I was very impressed.

The 17-year-old Ukrainian did look lightweight, however was very comfortable to carry the ball in tight spaces, and picked up some fantastic positions. 

Klaidi Lolos - 6.5

This was a frustrating performance for the summer signing from Bolton.

A poor outing was masked by two very good finishes.

Was dominated physically by the Colchester defence. 

Kyrell Lisbie - 5.5

Ran hard as usual, but failed to get any purchase out of the young Colchester defenders.

Did not really create anything. Caught offside far too much. 

Subs 

David Kamara - 6

Kamara is a strong lad who brought some physicality to the side off the bench. 

Bolu Shofowoke - 6

Showed his pace in the minutes he was given but missed a big chance to make it 3-0 after he was played through by Lolos.