Peterborough United Women continued their steady pre-season build-up with a narrow victory at Queens Park Rangers, secured by a first goal in club colours for Crista Chetcuti Ganado. The Malta international finished from close range after determined work down the right by captain Keir Perkins, earning a 1-0 win behind closed doors.
Poole praises resilience and first goal for new signing
Head coach Jake Poole welcomed both the result and the manner of the performance, highlighting the forward’s instinct and the squad’s commitment in key moments.
“I am pleased for Crista to get her first goal as all strikers want to get off the mark and she was bright and in the right place to score after Keir did well down the right... We showed a lot of grit and determination to get the victory,”
Poole also noted there were aspects to refine, reflecting the realities of early pre-season, but stressed that the priority at this stage remains building match fitness and cohesion across the group.
Building towards a step up in competition
This was Posh Women’s second win in three pre-season friendlies, all staged without spectators as part of a controlled programme. The team is assembling for a first campaign at National Premier Division North level, and the coaching staff have set the schedule to test defensive organisation and in-possession patterns while rotating minutes across the squad.
The victory in west London offered signs of an emerging on-field understanding, with the decisive move sparked by wing play from Perkins and clinical positioning by Chetcuti Ganado. Off the ball, the visitors were resolute, making important interventions to protect the lead as QPR sought a response.
Focus on minutes, structure and mentality
Poole’s reflections underlined the twin aims of performance and conditioning. While he acknowledged elements “that we didn’t do well today,” he framed them as expected markers on the pre-season curve, with the primary objective being to log meaningful minutes and sharpen decision-making under pressure.
The competitive edge was evident in the latter stages, where Posh players committed to blocks and tackles to see out the game. Those contributions underscored a pragmatic streak that will be needed as they move into a more demanding league campaign.
Pre-season snapshot
With three friendlies completed and another closed-doors fixture scheduled for Sunday 26 July against opposition yet to be confirmed, the current pre-season picture is:
| Played | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
That return reflects steady progress without disguising the work still ahead. The staff will look to tighten combinations in the final third and maintain the defensive resolve that helped close out the result at QPR.
What it means for supporters
Although recent outings have been staged without fans, the trajectory will interest supporters keen to see how the squad adapts to its new level. The impact of Chetcuti Ganado so early in her Posh career offers encouragement that attacking options are broadening, while Perkins’ influence from the flank remains a dependable source of chances.
- First Posh goal for Chetcuti Ganado provides a timely confidence lift.
- Gritty game management late on hints at stronger defensive habits.
- Next friendly set for 26 July, continuing the behind-closed-doors schedule.
As the countdown to the new season shortens, results are secondary to rhythm, resilience and readiness. On this evidence, Peterborough United Women are shaping those elements with purpose.
