Matt Sharman named a young squad for the trip to PIMS Park with five Under-16s involved in the matchday squad and a number of first years also starting the contest against the senior opposition, who ran out 4-1 winners in the end.
The Posh, who secured promotion to the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division last term, just two steps below the Women’s Super League, got off to the perfect start when Jess Driscoll gave them the lead after six minutes.
Our youngsters managed to keep the senior side at bay for the rest of the first half as they grew into the game, but Poppie Brown doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark with a fantastic finish into the top corner.
Brown then completed a second-half hat-trick in the closing stages of the game despite one of our Under-16s forward netting a consolation goal in between her strikes on what was another positive afternoon of learning for our Under-19s as they build towards the start of the Professional Game Academy League campaign – Southampton away, 19 August.
Photo credit: Erin Wilson
“It was another great opportunity for our players to get another match under their belts in pre-season against a very strong and well-organised opposition,” said Under-19s Head Coach Matt Sharman.
“On reflection, we started the game slowly and got punished early on but gradually grew into it as the match progressed and a lot of our young players did well to match senior, experienced players. There are plenty of positives to take, as well as areas we know we can improve. I’m looking forward to reflecting on the game with the team, taking the learnings from today and continuing to grow and improve together.”
Our Under-19s wrap up their pre-season preparations with a trip to take on another senior side Stevenage FC on Wednesday 12 August (7pm KO) at Hertfordshire FA County Ground.