Peterborough United 2-2 Stoke City: Late penalty drama as Posh and Potters share spoils
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Jonson Clarke-Harris struck twice to secure a point for Peterborough against Stoke
Jonson Clarke-Harris' injury-time penalty claimed a dramatic point as the Championship's bottom side Peterborough twice came from behind to share the spoils with Stoke.
It had looked as though Lewis Baker's 84th-minute spot-kick would be enough to earn the Potters a first win in six league games.
Jacob Brown scored the opener shortly before the half-hour mark with a clinical finish past Posh goalkeeper Jack Bonham.
But the hosts were only behind for five minutes as Clarke-Harris struck his first goal in eleven games to equalise.
Despite avoiding their 24th loss of the season, Peterborough remain at the foot of the Championship, six points from safety, while out-of-form Stoke stay 15th.
The Potters went close to opening the scoring after seven minutes when Demeaco Duhaney hit the post with a well-struck effort after receiving a pass from Joe Allen.
The Wales midfielder was involved again as Stoke grabbed the opener after 28 minutes, with his pass finding Brown who finished well for his ninth league goal of the campaign.
But the hosts responded superbly to going behind as Clarke-Harris placed a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to equalise after 33 minutes.
The game seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw until a handball by Posh defender Josh Knight six minutes from time allowed ex-Chelsea midfielder Baker to restore Stoke's lead.
But there was more drama to come as Stoke substitute Ben Wilmot fouled Ricky Jade-Jones in the box with the clock ticking into injury time.
Clarke-Harris stepped-up to score from the spot and claim a late point which could prove vital come the end of the season.
Peterborough remain without a Championship win since 11 December but manager Grant McCann will be hoping the comeback will give his side a boost in their battle against the drop.
Posh manager Grant McCann:
"It was two evenly-matched teams in terms of the formations. I was disappointed with the first goal. It was sloppy from us and we didn't clear. It was a good finish from Jacob Brown, but it was a good response from us.
"I thought we were better in the second half and more positive and on the front foot. Then we get the sucker punch of the penalty decision which looked harsh from where I stood. I'm not sure what Josh (Knight) can do with his hand.
"But we showed real resilience to get back into the game. I'm proud of the boys and I told them they will get their just rewards for their endeavour and attitude and going to the death today."
Potters boss Michael O'Neill:
"We're over 20 points we've lost from winning positions this season. It's something in our make-up at the minute we have to get rid of. Maybe it's a combination of young players in the team but we have experience. Maybe we're too reliant on those experienced players.
"For the young players it's part of their development. Our intention was to try and win the game and that makes you vulnerable when you do get ahead because we had too many attacking players on the pitch.
"It was a good finish from Jacob (Brown). I thought we controlled the game really well first half. Second half we didn't get the same momentum but we looked like the team that was always going to win the game."