Hat-trick star Clarke-Harris is back on top of the scoring charts, but his only interest is winning promotion

Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris is top of the League One scoring charts again after his quick-fire 17-minute hat-trick against Rochdale today (December 12).
By Alan Swann
Published 12th Dec 2020, 19:09 BST
Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United with the match ball at full-time after scoring a hat-trick against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United with the match ball at full-time after scoring a hat-trick against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United with the match ball at full-time after scoring a hat-trick against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Clarke-Harris, a big money summer signing from Bristol Rovers, now has 11 goals in 17 appearances to move two goals clear of Portsmouth’s John Marquis and Joe Pigott of AFC Wimbledon at the top of third tier goalscoring table.

The number nine scored with a penalty, a header and a deflected left-footed shot, all in the opening 21 minutes of a 4-1 win at the Weston Homes Stadium.

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But, although Clarke-Harris was thrilled with three goals and three points, he wasn’t entirely satisfied at the final whistle.

Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United scores the opening goal from the penalty spot against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United scores the opening goal from the penalty spot against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Jonson Clarke-Harris of Peterborough United scores the opening goal from the penalty spot against Rochdale. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

“I should have scored five,” he stated. “I had two great chances to score in the second-half which I was disappointed not to take.

“But it’s been a great day. It was a much-needed win, we played well and I managed to score three goals. Credit to my teammates though. They played with so much energy and quality. The cross for my second goal (from Harrison Burrows) is the sort I’ve dreamed about all season.

“The lads were buzzing afterwards and the result was perfect timing as the fans were back. We’ve missed them and I would imagine they’ve missed their football.

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“We controlled the game from start to finish. We scored four in the first-half and then just killed the game off in the second half.

“We needed that after a couple of bad weeks and now we’ve set a standard we need to maintain.

“I’m not bothered about finishing top scorer or matching Ivan Toney, I just want to be part of a promotion-winning team.”

Clarke-Harris limped off 10 minutes from time after hurting his ankle, but he is expected to be fit for Tuesday’s League One game at MK Dons.

Related topics:Jonson Clarke-HarrisLeague OneRochdaleBristol RoversJoe PigottPortsmouthJohn Marquis

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