U21s Face Savage's Peterborough in EFL Trophy
Tuesday, 6th Oct 2026 10:50
Town’s U21s are in EFL Trophy action this evening when they face Peterborough United at London Road in their second group match (KO 7pm, Sky Sports+).
John McGreal’s side will be looking to bounce back from their 6-0 trouncing at Luton in their first game in the competition, which is known as Jersey Mike’s Trophy this year.
Town fielded Azor Matusiwa in the first half of that match as last season’s Player of the Year continues his return from the thigh surgery he underwent at the end of last season.
The Dutchman may well be included again, while Jack Taylor, who underwent a knee operation at the same time, could also be involved as he progresses his comeback. Senior keeper David Button could also be brought in to add experience.
The Blues are likely to be up against a strong Peterborough side with Robbie Savage having taken over as manager last week and in charge for the first time.
Posh are 23rd in League One with only five points from eight matches, form which led to the departure of ex-boss Luke Williams.
They won their opening Jersey Mike’s Trophy tie 3-1 at home to Colchester United last month and if they win tonight will go top ahead of Luton, who drew 1-1 with the U’s in their second game on Saturday before winning a penalty shootout, on-loan Blues winger Tudor Mendel making his first senior start and playing the full 90 minutes for the Hatters.
“I’ve had a brilliant two days with the players,” Savage told _Posh Plus_. “They’ve really bought into a new way of playing. It might take time for them to adjust, but there are so many good players here with so much athleticism I have a lot of confidence in them.
“They want to run around, they want to attack and they want to score goals. A few home truths have been required, but they are all focused on the challenge ahead. I want to see them play with freedom, togetherness, hunger, positivity and bravery.
“The first goal will be important, but if we do fall behind we have to not let our heads go down. That can’t happen any more.
“First and foremost we need to win the game, but if we do have the game won I want us to keep driving forward and to keep scoring goals. We have to rebuild our confidence and we want to entertain the crowd like we used to in Darren Ferguson’s day.
“We mustn’t look back or take a step back. We can go on to climb the League One table quickly if we have the belief. We also want to do well in the Trophy, though. I wouldn’t mind a final at Wembley and the players are the same.”
_Photo: Action Images via Reuters_