Wareham’s eight-minute hat-trick sparks six-goal thriller at Peterborough

Jayden Wareham struck a sensational eight-minute hat-trick as Exeter City and Peterborough United played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in a breathless encounter.

The Exeter forward cancelled out Patryk Sykut’s first-half opener before firing the visitors into a commanding 3-1 lead early in the second half. However, a brace from Harry Leonard ensured Peterborough salvaged a share of the spoils in a match packed with drama and attacking quality.

Exeter started brightly, with Sonny Cox blazing over from close range, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 17th minute. Ukrainian teenager Patryk Sykut marked his first start for the club in style, curling in a fine effort to put Peterborough ahead.

City goalkeeper Joe Whitworth kept the deficit to a minimum with a sharp save to deny Jimmy-Jay Morgan’s free-kick, keeping Exeter within touching distance at the break.

The second half exploded into life, producing four goals in a frantic 15-minute spell. Just moments after the restart, Wareham met Ilmari Niskanen’s cross with a powerful header to draw Exeter level. Six minutes later, he turned provider Jack Aitchison’s pass into the net to put the visitors in front, before completing his rapid treble by firing home his 17th goal of the campaign.

Peterborough responded on the hour as Harry Leonard flicked in Cian Hayes’ corner to reduce the deficit. Whitworth was again called into action to tip Carl Johnston’s fierce drive over the bar, but the hosts finally drew level with 11 minutes remaining when Leonard rose highest to head home after fine wing play from Morgan.