GOALS from Sam Matthews and Harry Cornick proved in vain as Cherries suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Final Third Development League rivals Peterborough yesterday.

Matthews cancelled out Aaron McLean’s opener before half-time and Cornick netted after goals from David Norris and Harry Anderson had made it 3-1 to Posh.

The hosts named a strong side at their Nene Park Academy training ground with highly-rated Marcus Maddison and experienced duo Norris and McLean in their starting line-up.

Posh player-coach McLean drew first blood when he stooped to meet a cross from new loan signing James Pearson.

Ben Whitfield was denied by a fine double save from Dion-Curtis Henry before Matthews fired home from a free-kick to level.

As the first half drew to a close, Norris exchanged passes with Maddison before sliding home past the despairing dive of Jordan Holmes.

And after Whitfield had seen his effort come back off the post and Cornick had hit the inside of the upright, Anderson volleyed home from a tight angle to make it 3-1.

Although Henry again thwarted Cornick, the winger reduced the arrears as his rasping drive from just inside the box found the top corner.

Cherries: Holmes, Muleba, Lee, Simpson, Buckley, Matthews, Butcher, Carmichael, A Coulibaly (Neale, 86), Whitfield, Cornick (Surridge, 76). Unused subs: Stanton, Worthington.