Proud Posh overcome many obstacles to progress in the FA Youth Cup

Nicky Gyimah-Bio celebrates the winning goal for Posh against Doncaster in the FA Youth Cup. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Posh had to overcome the loss of several key players as well as a first-half deficit to book a fourth round date at home to Premier League Sheffield United.

Captain Charlie O’Connell and Nicky Gyimah-Bio scored the goals in the final 20 minutes. O’Connell converted a penalty after the visitors had opened the scoring from the spot.

Etherington said: “The players should be proud of this win. We’ve had a lot thrown at us in recent weeks with injuries, suspensions and players self isolating, but we were confident we could still field a side capable of winning.

Posh skipper Charlie O'Connell scores from the penalty spot in an FA Youth Cup win over Doncaster. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“We played a very young side which included an under 16 in midfield (Ben Challinor) and several under 17 players. They rose to the challenge though and we deserved to win.

“The pitch wasn’t conducive to how we wanted to play, but our intensity was fine and we have a lot of resilience in the group.

“We were good in the first 20 minutes, but then we dropped off it a bit and fell behind. I told the players to remember at half-time how many times we’d come from behind to win this season because it’s a lot and we were a little better in the second-half.

“Kellan Hickinson made a difference from the bench, Charlie O’Connell was cool on and off the ball and I was pleased for Nicky Gyimah to get the winner.”

The fourth round tie with the Blades is scheduled to be played early next month.