Barnsley 0-2 Peterborough: Posh book play-off spot as Derby slip up

Sunday 7 May 2023 15:57, UK

Goals from Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jack Taylor helped Peterborough clinch the final play-off position with a 2-0 Sky Bet League One win at Barnsley.

Darren Ferguson's side will face Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-finals, with Barnsley facing Bolton.

Posh took the lead inside six minutes at Oakwell through main man Clarke-Harris. Ephron Mason-Clark's ball from the left found the club's top scorer, who fired home from inside the box.

James Norwood thought he had equalised in the 15th minute but the linesman had raised his flag for offside.

The Reds came close again on the hour mark when Luca Connell's corner was headed narrowly wide by Liam Kitching.

Peterborough's Taylor had a brace of chances five minutes later to double his side's lead but could not get the better of goalkeeper Harry Isted.

Visiting keeper Will Norris was called into action in the 69th minute when Josh Benson's cross found the head of substitute Slobodan Tedic, whose effort was tipped around the post.

Peterborough doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Taylor headed home from Harrison Burrows' corner - and when news of Derby's loss at Hillsborough was confirmed, the away fans at Oakwell could look forward to play-off action.

Ferguson: Final day went exactly to plan for Posh

Peterborough's Darren Ferguson:

"We got the result we needed and got a favour off Sheffield Wednesday, so it went exactly to plan. I thought we started the game ever so well, I've spoken all week about getting an early goal and making Derby nervous. The second goal was pivotal, obviously I'm aware Derby are losing I had to stick or twist to try and get a third. But in the end it didn't matter because we managed to get the win.

"The main focus was on how we performed and making sure we did our bit. I did tell them Derby were getting beaten and were down to 10 men, I had to tell them because I didn't want to be wasting an opportunity that was in front of us. I enjoy these types of games and this time of the season, it's very rare I don't have much to play for whether it be promotion or relegation."