06/11/2024 10:51
Having won two from two, the Posh went into their final game in the group with one foot in the next round, and successfully progressed on an evening that featured a number of matches in the Southern Section.
In Group C, Cambridge United moved a step closer to joining Charlton Athletic in the knock-out stage with a victory over Chelsea U21 that saw the Academy side bow out.
Despite making nine changes to the side that had figured in the FA Cup at the weekend, Cambridge were the better side for much of the game but missed the chance to take the lead when Danny Andrew saw his penalty saved by Lucas Bergstrom.
However, debutant Amaru Kaunda then struck to give Cambridge a 1-0 win that will earn a place in the next round if Bromley fail to beat Charlton next week.
Peterborough’s progression from Group D was more straightforward thanks to a comfortable win at London Road against Crystal Palace U21.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the game came alive shortly after the break when Abraham Odoh put the holders in front, with Cian Hayes doubling the lead before Palace managed to pull one back via Zach Marsh.
Harley Mills put Posh two clear with ten minutes to go before Odoh struck his second late on to earn a spot in the next round as group winners.
Group F remains wide open with each team having now played two games after Northampton Town took all three points against Leicester City U21.
A header from TJ Eyoma opened the scoring after half an hour before a second half double from Neo Dobson moved Northampton to the top of the table.
Barring an unlikely win for Leicester in the final group games next week, Burton Albion and Notts County are left to fight over the second spot in the next round.
Group G drew to a close with a winner-takes-all game between Swindon Town and Tottenham Hotspur U21, which ultimately went the way of the EFL side.
Spurs had taken the lead in the first half thanks to Tyrese Hall, but second half strikes from Danny Butterworth and Sean McGurk put Swindon in the draw later this month alongside Exeter City.
Cheltenham Town meanwhile will go through as winners of Group H thanks to a 1-0 win against Reading courtesy of a goal from Thomas Pett twelve minutes from the end.
Reading will still progress if they avoid defeat against Newport County in their final group game.