Peterborough United manager Luke Williams has defended his misfiring striker Harry Leonard after a frustrating 0-0 home draw with Stevenage. The League One fixture at Weston Homes Stadium on Tuesday night saw Posh fail to convert several clear opportunities, leaving them 17th in the table with four points from their opening four matches.
Williams' side managed nine attempts on goal but failed to register a single shot on target. Captain Harry Leonard was the main culprit, missing a clear chance in the first half and another decent opportunity late in the game. This followed a similar wasted opportunity to open the scoring in Saturday's match against Blackpool, despite Leonard being the team's top scorer with four goals this season.
Luke Williams offered strong support for his captain after the match. "The best strikers in the world miss chances and of course we back Harry," the Peterborough United boss said. "He's been a consistently good performer for us and he will be fine."
Williams acknowledged his team's profligacy in front of goal. "We had some big chances particularly in the first 45 minutes," he stated. "I know we say it a lot, but goals put a bounce in your step." The draw leaves Peterborough United six points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town after collecting just one win, one draw, and two losses from their opening fixtures. Their goal difference stands at minus five, having scored only twice while conceding seven times.
One positive from the evening was the full debut of Josh Feeney. The centre-back, who joined on loan from Aston Villa, slotted into the defensive line. His introduction came amid ongoing injury concerns for the squad. Winger Owura Edwards was forced off midway through the first half with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Defenders Carl Johnston and Tom O'Connor were already absent nursing knocks. Fans can monitor the latest availability on the club's injuries page. The defensive issues make Feeney's arrival timely, and his performance offered some stability in a match where clean sheets have been rare this season.
Following the final whistle, the club announced the signing of midfielder Harry Ashfield from Wrexham. The move adds another option to Williams' squad as they look to improve their early-season form. The current squad details are available on our squad page.
This activity comes as Peterborough United prepare for a significant test this weekend. They face Sheffield Wednesday at London Road in a Saturday lunchtime kick-off at 12.30pm. The Owls currently sit second in the League One standings, presenting a formidable challenge for Williams' men.
The immediate focus turns to converting chances against one of the division's strongest sides. Peterborough United's next opportunity comes on 2026-09-05 at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
