Peterborough United beat Notts County, advance to face Chelsea in FA Cup

Over 7500 were in attendance as in-form Peterborough United of League One took care of League Two strugglers Notts County in the FA Cup second round replay Tuesday night at the ABAX Stadium. The world’s oldest association football team have now lost 8 of their last 10 in all competitions. Peterborough meanwhile notched their 8th win in their last 10. Contrasting fortunes, to be sure, though the match itself was a much more even affair.

Then again, the outcome was basically decided in the first 10 minutes with highly regarded Gwion Edwards heading Posh in front, then Paul Taylor doubling their lead in the 8th minute. Taylor, whose career had once taken him to the Belgian fifth division following a cocaine charge in 2008, had to be replaced not long after thanks to what looked like a hamstring injury.

Notts County certainly had their chances to get back into it, but Jonathan Stead had a penalty as well as a clear 1-v-1 saved, while Jonathan Forte hit the bar. That’s the same Jon Stead who scored for Bradford City when they beat Chelsea at the Bridge two years ago in the FA Cup, so it’s probably safer for us this way that it wasn’t a good day for Jonathans. It wasn’t a great day for County’s other veterans either, like Premier League legend Alan Smith or former Welsh international Richard Duffy.

It was however a good day for the younger, fresher legs of Peterborough, and if their current barnstorming form continues, they could pose a bit of danger to Chelsea. Exciting talents like the aforementioned Edwards, former Spurs prospect Shaq Coulthirst, current Spurs loanee Nathan Oduwa (the man boy who once did this), or the 18-year-old Leonardo Da Silva (shortlisted by the likes of Arsenal) all posses the enthusiasm and naivete to do something spectacular on the national stage at Stamford Bridge.

The FA Cup third round match will take place on Sunday, January 8th. Kick-off is at 3pm and there will be no live TV broadcast.