Peterborough United Delivers Impressive Victory Over Watford in Carabao Cup
Peterborough United manager Luke Williams praised his team’s work ethic following their resounding 5-1 victory against Championship side Watford in the Carabao Cup.
Harry Leonard scored two goals, while 17-year-old winger Bolu Shofowoke contributed the fourth goal in a standout performance at Vicarage Road, where The Posh took a commanding five-goal lead with over 25 minutes still to play.
Despite controlling just 37% of the possession during the match, Peterborough showcased a clinical display. “I can’t say anything other than they were excellent,” Williams told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He noted the challenge posed by Watford’s quick ball movement while commending his team for effectively denying them space.
Williams also highlighted that Peterborough was the only team in the league last season to secure three victories by a five-goal margin. He took time to commend Leonard, who netted 17 goals across all competitions last season after moving from Blackburn Rovers last September.
Leonard’s brace, scored either side of half-time, elevates his tally to four goals already this season, having previously scored from the penalty spot in the last round against Bristol Rovers and netted a decisive goal in Saturday’s 2-1 league win against Mansfield Town.
“Harry’s always the first one to jump out and press the opposition,” said Williams. “When we have to go direct, he competes and scrapes to push the team forward.”
As the transfer window remains open until Tuesday night, Williams expressed confidence regarding Leonard’s future with the club. “No, he told me, he hates all the other teams and he wants to stay here, so that’s really fortunate,” Williams smiled, adding, “He said if anyone rings, please hang up on them.”
Peterborough United boss Luke Williams hailed his side’s work rate after their 5-1 thrashing of Championship side Watford in the Carabao Cup.
Harry Leonard netted twice and 17-year-old winger Bolu Shofowoke scored the fourth in a very impressive performance at Vicarage Road with The Posh racing into a five-goal lead with still over 25 minutes remaining.
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The visitors produced a ruthless display despite only having 37% of possession during the match.
“I can’t say anything other than they were excellent,” Williams told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. “It wasn’t easy because they [Watford] moved the ball so well and so quickly.
“We denied the spaces as best as we could to make it look like they’re not moving the ball quickly but they are. We had to work so hard.
“I think we were the only team to win last season by a five-goal margin three times in the league.”
Williams reserved special praise for 22-year-old striker Leonard who hit 17 goals in all competitions last season following his arrival from Blackburn Rovers last September.
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Leonard’s double, either side of half-time, takes him up to four goals already this season after he scored from the penalty spot in the previous round at Bristol Rovers and a last-gasp winner in Saturday’s 2-1 league victory against Mansfield Town.
Williams said: “Harry’s always the first one to jump out and press the opposition. Then, when we have to go direct, he always competes and scraps to get the team up the pitch.
“In return, everyone hits the ball across the box to Harry and we try to feed him as much as we can – and Harry does the rest.”
With the transfer window remaining open until Tuesday night, Williams remained in buoyant mood when attempting to dispel any rumours he will lose his talismanic striker before the deadline.
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“No, he told me, he hates all the other teams and he wants to stay here, so that’s really fortunate. He said if anyone rings, please hang up on them,” Williams smiled.
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