Depleted City of Peterborough take heart from a plucky opening day display in the National League

City of Peterborough goalkeeper Alex Arif in action against Olton & West Warwicks. Photo: David Lowndes.

But, although defeat duly arrived at the hands of Olton & West Warwicks at Bretton Gate, the team finished the game hopeful rather than deeply concerned.

City fielded just three of the team that battled heroically at the highest level in the club’s history last season.

Injuries, apathy and several key departures left City severely weakened, but they twice led in their opening fixture before conceding three goals in the final 20 minutes to suffer a 4-2 defeat.

Josh Heyworth (left) in action for City of Peterborough against Olton & West Warwicks. Photo: David Lowndes.

Matt Porter fired City ahead in the first-half and skipper Joe Finding shot his side back in front early in the second-half, but they couldn’t hold on to the lead for long enough on either occasion despite the best efforts of debutant goalkeeper Alex Asif and defenders Scott Howard, who played third team hockey last season, and young Josh Heyworth.

City are due at Cardiff & Met this Sunday (October 4), Covid-19 restrictions permitted. The students won their opening fixture 8-0 last weekend.

City of Peterborough Ladies achieved a creditable 2-2 draw at Cambridge City seconds in their opening East Premier Division match of the season last Saturday.

City host Ipswich & East Suffolk at Bretton Gate this Saturday (October 3, 11.30am).