SECOND HALF
During the first half, Peterborough displayed commendable spirit in their defensive efforts, but they began to create more opportunities after the break. Luca Christoudias’s free-kick, though high and wide of Cameron Byrne-Hughes’s goal, served as a reminder that our lead was still fragile.
Seeing this, the young Reds quickly sought to regain momentum. As they advanced toward the old Scoreboard End, Mantato had United’s first significant chance of the half, cutting in from the right before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that soared over the crossbar.
Next, captain Jim Thwaites tried his luck but was thwarted by a defender’s block on his left foot. Mantato then had another attempt saved by Westcott, who courageously rushed off his line to intercept Shah’s fierce rebound.
A flurry of substitutions followed for both teams, resulting in a more open contest. In United’s goal, Byrne-Hughes had remained relatively unchallenged, but he stepped up when it mattered in the 66th minute, first diving low to his left to deny Patryk Sykut’s strike, then quickly recovering to secure Eddie Fox’s volley, which came right at him.
