Wrexham fans were full of excitement and anticipation as they were one win away from a trip to Wembley for the EFL Trophy final.
Phil Parkinson made eight changes from the side that beat Mansfield Town 2-1 in League One with notable starts for Modou Faal and youngster Harry Ashfield.
Jack Marriott started against his former club, whilst George Evans and Jacob Mendy were also given the rare opportunity to impress.
After a slow start to the game from the Red Dragons, Max Cleworth’s long ball was pounced upon by Faal, who held off his men and produced an audacious chip over the keeper into the far corner.
A second soon followed after Ryan Barnett’s wicked cross was met by Mendy, who showed great composure to set up midfielder George Dobson to slam home from six yards.
Peterborough were handed a lifeline in the second half when Arthur Okonkwo brought down Cian Hayes and despite saving the penalty, Malik Mothersille converted the rebound.
As it looked as though Wrexham had secured their spot at Wembley, some comical defending in the box allowed substitute Bradley Ihionvein to pounce on a loose ball and send the tie to penalties.
Paul Mullin missed Wrexham’s opening spot kick before Okonkwo redeemed himself slightly with a fine save from Mothersille.
Elliot Lee saw his effort saved in the third attempt and it proved to be crucial as Peterborough won 4-2 on penalties.
Wrexham player ratings vs Peterborough United
Wrexham recovered from a nervy opening to the game to take control of the tie before a late comeback from the Posh took the game to a dreaded penalty shoot out.
Peterborough kept their cool to win 4-2 in the shoot-out and progress to Wembley to face Birmingham City.
Arthur Okonkwo- 5
Looked assured without having too much to do after the initial good spell from the Posh. Had a rush of blood by committing himself for the penalty and bringing down Cian Hayes when the forward was moving away from goal. Unlucky with the penalty save then being converted on the rebound.
Redeemed himself to an extent in the shoot-out with an excellent stop from Mothersille but was to no avail as the Red Dragons crashed out.
Max Cleworth- 7
Long pass into the channel provided the spark for the opening goal of the game and was his usual solid self in defence making challenges and blocks when his side needed.
Dan Scarr- 6
Looked the least composed out of the back three with a few lapse moments in possession however, did his defensive duties well and communicated and organised those around him.
Lewis Brunt- 6
More of a display we have come to expect from Brunt after a shaky performance against Leyton Orient. Unlucky with a sweet strike in the second half only to be thwarted by the Peterborough keeper.
Missed a crucial header late on for Peterborough’s equaliser and then failed to clear his lines with the ball bouncing in the penalty area.
Ryan Barnett- 7
A typical performance from Barnett up and down the right hand side, including a brilliant cross in the build up to the second goal.
Jacob Mendy- 7
Showed great composure for the second goal after receiving Barnett’s cross at the back post, the wing-back fired the ball into a dangerous area for the on-rushing Dobson to pounce. Scored in the shoot-out.
George Evans- 6
Worked hard and looked busy in midfield but failed to really take the game by the scruff of the neck on the ball and was a little ‘safe’ with his distribution.
George Dobson- 8
Worked tirelessly as usual all game and deserved his goal from midfield to silence a few doubters about his ability going forward.
Harry Ashfield- 6
Struggled to impose himself on the game in an unfamiliar midfield role however, take nothing away from his work rate for the side, Ashfield left everything out there.
Modou Faal- 8
Showed great strength and power to burst through and hold off his defender for the goal, the finish was spectacular as Faal clipped the ball over Jed Steer into the empty net.
Jack Marriott- 6
A busy performance from Marriott against his old side, was always looking to combine with Faal and show for the ball but at times looked frustrated with the service provided into him.
Substitutes
Elliot Lee- 4
Brought on to replace Dobson in midfield with 25 minutes to go but failed to make any real impact going forward. Worked hard in preserving the lead. Missed a penalty in the shoot-out with a weak spot kick to his left.
Paul Mullin- 4
Brought on up top with 25 minutes to go and showed some nice touches on his return. Fans will be keen to see more of him in the coming weeks. Missed a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.
Steven Fletcher- 5
Brought on for Faal with 25 minutes to go and won his usual share of aerial duels up top. Saw a late effort dragged wide of the post. Scored in the shoot-out with an excellent spot kick.
Ollie Rathbone- 5
Brought on for Ashfield with 15 minutes to go to provide some energy in the midfield and did exactly that as Wrexham saw the game through.
Eoghan O’Connell- 5
Brought on for Evans with five minutes to go but did not react well enough to a loose ball in the box to allow Peterborough to scramble a late equaliser.