Peterborough United boss set for Carabao Cup clash with goalkeeper he ostracised at London Road

It wasn’t much of a reward for two penalty shootout wins for Posh.

Mansfield knocked out Sheffield Wednesday on spotkicks on Tuesday as Posh were doing the same to Portsmouth at Fratton Park despite fielding an inexperienced side. Posh also won their first round tie at home to Swindon on penalties.

Posh had come close to a lucrative game against big guns Manchester City, Liverpool or Newcastle as they were all among the last six clubs to be drawn out alongside Posh, Mansfield and Leicester.

Instead Newcastle will host City and Liverpool will entertain Leicester City when Posh make the short trip to Field Mill.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson said: “It did look like we were going to get a really big team, but we shouldn’t be disappointed with Mansfield away. It’s a great chance to reach the last 16 and I’m sure Mansfield will think the same.

"It’s a good tie for the punters as we should take a lot there, but we will park the game for now and concentrate on our league games.”

The ties will take place week beginning September 25 and Posh will be reunited with promotion-winning goalkeeper Christy Pym who joined the Stags after a big bust up withFerguson.

Pym courted controversy after Posh were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday in the League One play-offs last season. He was alleged to have posted ‘tactical masterclass’ with a laughing emoji on a social media account, a criticism believed to be aimed at Ferguson.

Pym mocks Fergie

Pym was still under contract at Posh at the time, although he joined Mansfield a month later after spending the previous season with the Stags on loan.

Ferguson had pledged never to pick Pym again after a furious row in the dressing room following a 3-1 Championship defeat at Reading in September 2021 and he was true to his word. Ferguson claimed Pym had ‘overstepped the mark’ and the goalkeeper was soon shipped out on loan to Stevenage.

Fergie on bust up

Pym made 94 appearances for Posh after joining from Exeter City in July, 2019. He made 40 League One appearances in the 2020-21 promotion season.

Full third round draw:

Ipswich Town vs Wolves

Exeter vs Luton Town

Aston Villa vs Everton

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

Port Vale vs Sutton United

Bradford vs Middlesbrough

Bournemouth vs Stoke City

Lincoln City vs West Ham United

Brentford vs Arsenal

Chelsea vs Brighton

Salford City vs Burnley

Fulham vs Norwich City

Blackburn Rovers vs Cardiff City

Liverpool vs Leicester City

Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Mansfield Town vs Peterborough.