Peterborough United manager loved Flynn Clarke’s goal and his young team’s attitude, but disliked the outcome after a ‘scandalous’ refereeing decision

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson had mixed feelings after his side failed in a mission to top their Papa John Trophy group tonight (November 10).
Fraxer Blake-Tracy in action for Posh at Cambridge. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Fraxer Blake-Tracy in action for Posh at Cambridge. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Fraxer Blake-Tracy in action for Posh at Cambridge. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at local rivals Cambridge United which condemned them to a runner-up finish and an away tie in the first knockout stage.

But Ferguson saw some good stuff from his young side and praised their outstanding attitude. He blamed fatigue and a ‘scandalous’ decision for a failure to hang on to 17 year-old Flynn Clarke’s stunning opening goal at the start of the second half.

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Group winners Cambridge won a meaningless penalty shootout 3-1 to take an extra point from tonight’s match.

“Obviously we wanted a home tie as we face a run of nine games in 28 days from November 21,” Ferguson stated. “So that was disappointing as was the manner of their equaliser as I’m told it was a scandalous decision. There’s a man on the goalline who apparently wasn’t interfering with play so wasn’t offside.

“I’m disappointed for the players as they gave everything and showed an outstaning attitude. Cambridge fielded a much more experienced side and it showed towards the end as some my players became very fatigued, but it’s another game unbeaten as the penalty shootout can’t count for anything.

“We came under presure towards the end and my goalkeeper made three or four fantastic saves.

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“Flynn scored a fantastic goal after a great piece of play and we then had opportunities to break on them and kill the game off, but we couldn’t fine the right pass or make the right decision. A little more quality would have won us the game.

“On effort the players deserved to win though and there were some very good individual performances so I’m not too disappointed.

“We are taking this competition very seriously and we are through to the next round which is the main thing.”

Posh are awaiting news from a scan on defender Nathan Thompson’s hamstring. He is now a doubt for Saturday’s League One game at Crewe.