A brilliant individual performance by teenager Harley Mills inspired Peterborough and manager Darren Ferguson to another Vertu Trophy victory over Birmingham at Wembley.
The all-conquering Blues secured promotion from Sky Bet League One with a win away to Posh on Tuesday, and they clinched the title on Saturday after Wrexham dropped points.
Birmingham was greeted with a party atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, but they were stunned when 19-year-old left-back Mills struck a wonderful free-kick in the 15th minute, followed by Hector Kyprianou’s stunner on the stroke of half-time, ensuring Peterborough defended their title on a record-breaking occasion.
Posh, who are 16th in League One, became the first team to win this tournament twice in a row, and Ferguson celebrated becoming the first manager to win the English Football League Trophy three times.
Wembley hosted several stars, including Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady and Peterborough’s larger-than-life director of football Barry Fry, who managed the Blues in the 1990s.
Following a close battle on Tuesday night, both managers made numerous changes to their teams, but Chris Davies made only five, while Ferguson made seven.
Davies did bring on 23-goal striker Jay Stansfield, who went close early on before Kwame Poku won Peterborough a free kick in a dangerous position.
Mills, who began the season on loan at National League South club Enfield, stood over the set-piece and unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike into the top corner, sending Posh fans into a frenzy after a quarter of an hour.
Birmingham responded strongly, with penalty appeals for Ethan Laird turned down and Mills making a crucial block to deny Kieran Dowell just before halftime.
It would prove crucial, as Peterborough took a 2-0 lead with seconds remaining in the first half thanks to captain Kyprianou.
Ricky-Jade Jones flicked on Mills’ dangerous cross, and Kyprianou was on hand to rifle the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Kyprianou celebrated in front of Birmingham fans who were silent, but Davies responded at halftime by introducing Alfie May.
Stansfield’s first shot on target for the Blues was saved by Jed Steer shortly after, and Laird’s spot-kick appeal was turned down after he grappled with Kyprianou.
Steer was alert again to deny Dowell a free kick before Stansfield did find the back of the net with six minutes remaining, but it was ruled out for offside.
When 11 minutes of stoppage time were added and Lukas Jutkiewicz was introduced to a standing ovation, the Birmingham fans were uplifted.
However, Steer saved his volley to ensure that Peterborough and Ferguson won the day, defying the odds and celebrating another memorable Wembley victory.
