The second piece of available silverware in England is there for the taking next Sunday as Peterborough United face Wycombe Wanderers in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final. The competition commonly known as the EFL Trophy provides clubs from League One and League Two an opportunity to reach Wembley, which probably won’t be available in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup respectively.
Date: 7/4/2024
Kick-off: 4.30 pm
Location: Wembley Stadium
There has been some controversy around the competition, following the inclusion of the younger sides in the Premier League’s development scheme, although that hasn’t deterred the Football League clubs whatsoever. Since the inclusion of under-21 teams from the Premier League, every final regardless has been contested between teams from the Football League.
Peterborough United and Wycombe Wanderers have developed a moderate competitive rivalry over the last few years, despite not necessarily being geographically linked. The designated away side for his final was awarded the final playoff spot when the season was curtailed in 2020. The Posh missed out because of the point-per-game system and Wycombe Wanderers used that momentum to secure an unlikely promotion to the Championship.
Both sides are having contrasting seasons in League One. The Posh are currently closing in on a second consecutive play-off place, whereas Wycombe are comfortably mid-table with an opportunity to leave this season with some silverware. Darren Ferguson’s side is fourth on 71 points, having a game in hand over the chasing pack which should give them a buffer. Wycombe Wanderers are 13th with no danger of being dragged further down the league table.
The head-to-head records this season favour Matt Bloomfield and his Wycombe side. The Chairboys have gained four points from their opponents in the league this season. The last game between the two teams finished 5-2 to Wycombe. The contest between the sides was notable for the fact that both Archie Collins and Nikolas Bilokapic scored own goals in favour of the home side. Interestingly Peterborough have not won a game against Wycombe since a 4-0 win during the season which was curtailed. Ivan Toney was on the scoresheet for Peterborough United that day.
Darren Ferguson’s side began their Bristol Street Motors campaign with a group consisting of Colchester United, Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s and local rivals Cambridge United. The Posh qualified for the next round by obtaining six points from a possible nine. Progression to the next round saw Peterborough face Arsenal Under21 where they won 3-0. The Posh followed this up with wins over Crawley Town and AFC Wimbledon. The semi-final brought a clash with Blackpool in which captain Harrison Burrows scored a brace to send the Posh to Wembley.
Peterborough United’s only triumph in this competition came in 2014. The Posh came out 3-1 winners over Chesterfield in which they were down to ten men in that game.
Wycombe’s campaign began with a group consisting of AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage and Crystal Palace Under 21s. The Chairboys secured a perfect record of three wins from three. In the second round, they narrowly defeated Fulham’s under21s by a single goal. Wycombe followed this up with wins over West Ham’s under21s and Brighton’s under21s respectively. In the semi-final, it took a last-minute goal from Matt Butcher to send Matt Bloomfield’s side into the final.
Wycombe Wanderers are seeking their first taste of success in this competition. The Chairboys are taking part in their first-ever final also.
