Peterborough United striker set to return '˜home'

Peterborough United striker Matt Godden returns to the place where it all started for him on Saturday (October 13).
Posh striker Matt Godden is happy to return to Scunthorpe.Posh striker Matt Godden is happy to return to Scunthorpe.
Posh striker Matt Godden is happy to return to Scunthorpe.

Godden was a youth team player at Scunthorpe, one who earned a professional contract and who went on to make a first team debut as a substitute in a home cup tie against mighty Manchester United.

It didn’t work out for a young striker though. After five starts in two years, Godden decided to drop out of the Football League with Ebbsfleet and work his way back in.

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It proved to be an inspired decision as two productive seasons with Stevenage have been followed by an excellent start with Posh. Godden returns ‘home’ on Saturday with nine goals in 15 appearances (11 starts).

Posh striker Jason Cumings in action.Posh striker Jason Cumings in action.
Posh striker Jason Cumings in action.

But he has mainly fond memories of life at Glanford Park.

“I really enjoyed my time there, but had a couple of injuries that stopped me getting a run in the team.

“The experience of Championship football when I first broke through was something I’ll never forget though and making my debut against Manchester United (a 5-2 defeat) was something else.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity they gave me. However I felt my time was up there and I needed to go and find football where I could play week in, week out. “I had a little taste of action at Scunthorpe, but getting to the age I was I needed to go and play. I had been at the same place for six/seven years.

Posh striker Ivan Toney returns to his former club Scunthorpe at the weekend.Posh striker Ivan Toney returns to his former club Scunthorpe at the weekend.
Posh striker Ivan Toney returns to his former club Scunthorpe at the weekend.
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“It will be strange to go back as I think everyone who was there with me has now moved on.

“I’m looking forward to the game though and hopefully we can come back with three points.”

Godden was reunited up front with Jason Cummings in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy tie against Brighton and both scored in a 2-2 draw.

Posh boss Steve Evans admits their performance together has given him some thinking to do ahead of Saturday’s game. Ivan Toney, who was on loan at Scunthorpe last season, is the man under threat.

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“Matt and Jason were outstanding together at the start of the season,” Evans said. “And they were both good against Brighton. The goals they scored were very classy.

“It’s given me plenty to think about ahead of a very tough game. All three forwards are good enough.”