Fry hails 'David and Goliath' Wembley win for Posh

Peterborough United's Hector Kyprianou is lifted aloft by goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic at Wembley. He is fist pumping the air with his mouth open.Image source, PA Media
Image caption,

Posh skipper Hector Kyprianou sealed the Wembley win with a goal before half time

  • Published

Peterborough United icon Barry Fry said his side overcame a "David and Goliath" battle as they became EFL Trophy champions for the second year running.

Posh tore up the form book and beat League One champions Birmingham City 2-0 in Sunday's final at Wembley.

Fry, the club's director of football, said he was proud of the players after a difficult league campaign hampered by injuries.

"I might have a glass or two of wine to celebrate, or a bottle even - who knows," said Fry, who promised himself a day off on Monday.

Birmingham had been overwhelming favourites to win the final, having clinched the third-tier title on Saturday and beaten Posh in the league on Tuesday.

However, they found no answer to goals from Peterborough's Harley Mills and captain Hector Kyprianou in the first half.

Media caption,

Jubilant Peterborough fans celebrate EFL Trophy win

"We were, once again, underdogs and we showed our talent," Fry said.

"We've underachieved this year in the league, no doubt about that. The players set their own standard and we've all fallen way below them."

The occasion was dubbed the "Barry Fry final" because of his ties with both clubs, with the 80-year-old having managed Blues between 1993 and 1996.

But Fry nailed his colours to the mast in the build-up to the game, firmly backing Posh to retain their trophy.

"It was a nervous 55, 60 minutes because it just went on and on and on, but the lads put in a shift today and I'm proud of each and every one of them," he added.

Barry Fry smiling with a blue and white Peterborough United scarf draped around his neck. He has short grey hair and is wearing a black coat over a white shirt and navy chequered tie.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Barry Fry also heaped praise on manager Darren Ferguson for his work in securing the trophy

Posh supporters celebrated on the steps of Wembley and inside the ground after an agonising wait for the final whistle.

Nat, 16, told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "There was so much relief that overcame me at the final whistle and every fan went mad.

"I really thought we were going to get played off the park by a really strong Birmingham side, but that's what Posh do at Wembley - we don't lose there."

Lottie, a 10-year-old fan, said she expected a "really difficult" match against Blues after Tuesday's defeat.

"But we made a comeback and it was really good to watch," she said.

Her dad, Andy, added: "Our boys stuck in there and ran away with it, really."

Nilesh Patel and Craig Mackail-Smith with an arm around each other's shoulders in the stand at Wembley. They are both smiling, with the pitch in the background.Image source, Nilesh Patel
Image caption,

Posh fan Nilesh Patel met former striker Craig Mackail-Smith inside Wembley

Posh were backed by about 20,000 supporters inside Wembley, which had a total attendance of 71,722.

The win drew them level with Bristol City as the most successful side in the competition's history.

Peterborough fan Nilesh Patel, who was at the game, said: "It's brilliant for the fans, the club and hopefully the whole city."

Get in touch

Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough?

Related topics