The 2025–26 pre-season kicked off with mixed emotions for The Posh faithful as Peterborough United fall short in first friendly against Championship side Leicester City. While the 3-1 scoreline at Leicester’s training ground was not what manager Darren Ferguson may have hoped for, the fixture offered valuable minutes, promising debuts, and a few standout performances that hinted at a team still molding its identity.
The summer sun, a green away kit that doubled as camouflage, and a string of substitutions shaped what was a lively encounter after a quiet first half. Yet, the result confirmed that Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, a reminder that there is work to be done before the League One campaign begins.
Opening Nostalgia and Harsh Realities
Some fans may recall past pre-seasons when new arrivals like Zeke Rowe dazzled in friendlies against top-tier opponents like Chelsea. But as history shows, summer form doesn’t always translate into league survival. When Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, it doesn’t signify failure—it serves as a foundation.
That nostalgic high faded quickly as the match against Leicester unfolded. Despite flashes of intent and individual brilliance, Posh conceded three goals—two in the final 12 minutes—highlighting the physical and tactical demands still to be addressed in this pre-season.
Chris Conn-Clarke’s Redemption Story
One of the biggest positives, even as Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, was the performance of Chris Conn-Clarke. After a challenging debut season, the midfielder found his moment of redemption with a well-taken goal in the 74th minute.
The goal came off a gift from Leicester’s substitute goalkeeper Stevie Bausor, whose careless pass fell directly to Conn-Clarke 20 yards from an empty net. With calm precision, he equalized, briefly injecting energy and belief into the Posh camp. For a player looking to reboot his Posh career, it was a step in the right direction.
Brazilian Teenager Shines in Defence
Despite the fact that Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, there was praise for Lucca Mendonca, the Brazilian teenager who anchored the defense. With first-choice center-backs Sam Hughes and Oscar Wallin absent, Mendonca played the full 90 minutes, impressing with his composure, positioning, and anticipation.
His performance was one of the few constants in a match where Posh made 10 changes at half-time, seeking to test depth and build chemistry.
First-Half Impressions and Tactical Setup
In the opening 45 minutes, Posh lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, opting for a familiar shape to control the midfield and explore wing play. The game remained cagey, with both teams measuring each other. The only real opportunity came when Gustav Lindgren headed a cross straight at Leicester’s first-half keeper Jakub Stolarczyk, squandering a chance to give Posh an early lead.
Still, even as Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, the structure and defensive shape during this period remained disciplined, offering a solid platform for future matches.
Second-Half Switch-Up and New Signings Debut
The second half saw a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, though the green kit made it difficult for onlookers to decipher positioning clearly. Nonetheless, several new signings made their club debuts, offering a glimpse into the future of the squad.
- Alex Bass (GK): Had little to do but provided vocal presence.
- Brandon Khela (MF): Hit the crossbar with a thunderous strike, showing attacking promise.
- Kyrell Lisbie and Declan Frith (Forwards): Displayed energy and movement up front.
Their performances may not have changed the fact that Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, but they certainly added excitement and hope for fans.
Goals and Turning Points
After Conn-Clarke’s equalizer made it 1-1, it appeared that Posh could salvage a draw. But fatigue and youthful exuberance from Leicester turned the tide.
- Louis Page scored twice—his second coming just four minutes after Conn-Clarke’s goal.
- Silko Thomas capped off the scoring with a beautiful finish from the edge of the box.
- Davon Gbajumo, a young left-back, lost the ball in midfield leading to Leicester’s second, an error that underscored why Peterborough United fall short in first friendly despite their otherwise organized defending.
Leicester’s Notable Inclusions
Leicester’s lineup featured familiar names, including Wanya Marcal, a product of the Posh Academy who joined the Foxes at age 12. With nine senior appearances for Leicester under his belt, he played against his former club in the first half. Notably, Posh still hold an add-on clause in his contract, making his future progress financially relevant for the club.
Fitness, Friendlies, and What’s Next
Matches like these are not solely about results. They are about building match fitness, discovering new combinations, and adapting tactics. So even though Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, the game offered:
- Tactical experimentation
- Player development insights
- Confidence boosts for underperformers
- A reality check for fringe players
The club returns to action on Tuesday, July 8, against Stamford AFC, and Ferguson will be hoping for better results, sharper coordination, and defensive resilience.
What the Scoreline Doesn’t Tell You
Sometimes, pre-season scorelines don’t reflect the full narrative. While Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, the underlying stories suggest otherwise:
- A reborn Conn-Clarke looking hungry
- A composed Mendonca anchoring the backline
- Promising glimpses from summer signings
- Competitive energy and tactical flexibility
Add to that a well-structured first half and limited clear chances conceded until the final stretch, and there’s reason to remain optimistic.
Fans’ Takeaway: Keep the Faith
As always, the early stages of pre-season offer more questions than answers. When Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, it’s important to focus not just on the result but the journey. This match provided several reasons for supporters to stay hopeful as the squad evolves toward full match fitness and cohesion.
Ferguson’s side may not be firing on all cylinders yet, but there are sparks—enough to suggest the club is on the right track.
Conclusion: Peterborough United Fall Short in First Friendly, But the Signs Are Encouraging
Yes, Peterborough United fall short in first friendly, but the narrative is more nuanced than the scoreline. From Conn-Clarke’s return to form, to the emergence of Mendonca, to encouraging cameos by debutants, this pre-season opener served its purpose.
The team now shifts focus to future friendlies where sharper performances and more cohesion will be expected. But one thing is clear: with refinement and resilience, this squad has the tools to surprise this season.