More last minute Blues for Youth at Posh

Having seen a last minute header wipe out Harry Crawford's goal at Barnet on Wednesday afternoon, Ricky Duncan's team suffered a severe case of déjà vu when Nathan Korenteng's 87th minute strike was deflected past Nathan McDonald and into the net.

McDonald and right-back Ricky Byrne, who have both been told that their futures lie away from Southend, returned to the team after trialling for Dagenham & Redbridge Reserves against Reading in midweek, with Jack Morris and Tashan Adeyinka also included from those scholars recently released by the club.

The presence of captain Davis Abbey and Craig Calver meant that there was a total of six second-years in the starting line-up. Adeyinka replaced Crawford, who suffered concussion in the Barnet match, whilst Justin Hazell returned after injury on the left-hand side instead of Jamie Dennis.

Peterborough were first to threaten in the fixture as their potent front four started in rude form. The opening opportunity was created by a familiar face in former Shrimpers trainee Luke Abraham, who picked out Jay Davies on the right. He squared for a forward to blast over from ten yards.

When Southend took the lead in the tenth minute, the goal came somewhat against the run of play. Byrne set Marcus Milner away down the right-hand side, and the flying winger centred for Calver, who converted from close range as the Posh defence appealed for an offside flag.

Boro' then proceeded to pressure the visiting defence, with Byrne desperately blocking Korenteng's fierce shot and Callum Whittaker effecting a fine sliding challenge after yet another Abraham left-wing cross.

Further resistance was required after the half-hour mark as Southend failed to hold onto possession long enough to relieve the tension. Peterborough's left-back was allowed to rocket in a shot unmarked from a corner, with Whittaker again getting his body between the ball and the goal before Korenteng slipped as he attempted to touch in Abraham's centre.

With ten minutes remaining before half-time, Tashan Adeyinka turned a ball into the six-yard box that a defender almost diverted past the goalkeeper and Calver narrowly missed out on adding his second of the morning with an injury time free-kick that curled inches over the crossbar as Southend briefly managed to see more of the ball.

Despite enjoying a similar dominance in terms of possession after the break, Posh created fewer chances with the Blues back-line holding firm. Nonetheless, a dipping shot was sent careering past the right-hand post and a header from the hosts' influential midfielder was directed over before the hour mark.

McDonald, who had hitherto not been called upon, was then forced into two smart saves, the first from Davies as he struck straight at the custodian from besides the penalty spot and the second from a forward after the Peterborough player had muscled his way past Duran Reynolds.

Unfortunately, with less than four minutes remaining, Southend were dealt a cruel blow. Korenteng appeared to overrun the ball down the inside-right channel and the defence momentarily hesitated. That allowed the front man to cut back and drill goalwards, although substitute John Owinja's inadvertent deflection proved decisive in defeating McDonald.

Once again, despite a lack of luck inside the final five minutes and a strong rearguard action, the Shrimpers could have no complaints about a result that leaves a victory over Queens Park Rangers next Saturday at Boots & Laces imperative to revive their hopes of claiming the Youth Alliance South-East Conference crown.

Southend United U18s: Nathan McDonald; Ricky Byrne, Callum Whittaker, Duran Reynolds, Jack Morris (John Owinja 46); Marcus Milner (Michael Ngoo 77), Merrick James-Lewis, Davis Abbey, Justin Hazell (Jamie Dennis 74); Craig Calver, Tashan Adeyinka.

Subs not used: Medi Abalimba, Adetayo Osifuwa.

Goal: Calver (10).

Booked: James-Lewis (90+2 - encroachment).