Friday May 26th
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The Posh 1 - 0 Darlington
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| Attendence: |
33363
| | Man Of The Match: | Mark Tyler
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After a long, hard season 25,000 Peterborough United supporters made the long, wet journey down to the twin towers to hope that Posh could make it a great finale for the season. The supporters who got to Wembley early enough were treated to a Under 13 Challenge match which saw Posh win 1-0 with a bizarre last minute goal. Could this be an omen? The fans were definitely hoping so. Jason Lee's knee injury saw David Oldfield moved from his usual midfield position to partner Andy Clarke, unfortunately he didn't have very much to-do in the first half. Darlington dominated the first twenty minutes and create several great opportunities, Marco Gabbiadini flashed a couple of shots wide and striking the outside of the post. Posh suffered an early blow when Adam Drury got a boot in the face and disappeared for ten minutes, this period though was Posh best of the first half. Oldfield had the best opportunity as he beat two defenders and then blasted a shot wide. When Drury returned he only stayed on the pitch for a few minutes before the injury got the better of him and he was substituted. This cause a major reshuffle of the Posh side, Jelleyman moved back into defence, Farrell switched sides and Hanlon came on and went out to the wing. Half time came and Posh were lucky to be at 0-0, Barry Fry's team talk seemed to the trick though and Posh began to get some shots at goal. Clarke broke free three times, the first time his shot grazed the outside of the post, then he was denied by a saving tackle. It was third time lucky as his first shot was saved, the rebound fell kindly for him and he drilled the ball home. The noise became deafining but Darlington weren't finished. Gabbiadini was still managing to get shots in but none of them found there way past the excellent Mark Tyler. The final whistle was greeted by much relief and Andy Edwards lifted the Playoff Trophy to send Posh into the second division! Well Done 'Boro!