Peterborough United impress in goalless draw with Saudi Pro League side, plus Carl Johnston absence explained
There was much to admire as Peterborough United fought out a 0-0 draw with Saudi Pro League side Neom SC in Marbella on Friday night.
Posh, supported by many day-tripping supporters, had the better of the chances in the first-half and rarely looked like conceding in 90 minutes against a team that featured former Premier League forwards Said Benrahma (West Ham United) and Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal).
The Saudi side have spent millions on their squad, but a Posh team full of kids, transfer-listed players and recruits from non-league football more than held their own on another sweltering Spanish night.
Posh, who again fielded two separate XIs for 45 minutes apiece, could have opened the scoring on 10 minutes, but James Dornelly, minus his Sideshow Bob hairstyle (copyright Darragh MacAnthony), headed a fine cross from Ben Woods over the bar. Fellow full-back Harley Mills also cleared the crossbar with a rasping shot before a 14th minute strike from Kyrell Lisbie hit the inside of a post after good work from Harry Leonard.
Leonard was next to be denied just before the half hour mark. Lisbie and Chris Conn-Clarke teed Leonard up, but his shot was cleared off the line.
Conn-Clarke also went close after a mazy run past a couple of defenders as he continued his strong summer form.
Benrahma had a couple of decent efforts on goal for Neom before the break and saw a shot deflected just wide early in the second-half.
Brandon Khela and Owura Edwards took pot shots at goal midway through the second-half before the latter steered a presentable chance into the side netting at the far post.
Posh kept pushing for a winning goal, but efforts in the final 10 minutes from Joe Andrews and Harrison Jones just missed the target.
Posh full-back Carl Johnston is not in Spain as he’s soon to become a father.
Centre-backs Tom O’Connor and Sam Hughes are still on the comeback trail following lengthy injury absences. O’Connor is confident he will be fit for the start of the season.
Posh (first-half): Bass, Dornelly, Okagbue, Mendonca, Mills, Fox, Woods, Conn-Clarke, Lisbie, Abbey, Leonard.
Posh (second-half): Andeng Ndi, Bushell, Arber, Nevett, Weir, Khela, Jones, Sykut, Andrews (sub McWilliams-Marcano), Edwards, Kamara.