Peterborough United boss hails a ‘massive’ result as Posh move to within one win of promotion

An early Jonson Clarke-Harris goal - his 29th League One goal of the season - and a brilliant penalty save from Josef Bursik alongside an outstanding defensive effort sealed a 1-0 win at Charlton. It was a first defeat in 11 matches for the play-off chasing Addicks.

Victory over Ferguson’s old club Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday (April 27) will clinch promotion back to the second tier for the first time since 2013.

Grant McCann’s Hull City sealed their promotion with a 2-1 win at Lincoln City, a result that suited Posh.

Ferguson was understandably happy after the game, He said: “What a win for us. We understood the magnitude of the game and delivered a massive result against a team who hadn’t lost since they changed manager.

“We started the game so well and caused them so many problems in a fantastic opening 20 minutes, and Jonson has come up trumps for us again.

“He’s had an unbelievable season, 29 goals in an incredible return. But it’s not just the goals, it’s what he gives the team. When he came in at the start of the season we knew he wasn’t fit, but he was running as well as anyone there at the end. He’s been a brilliant signing for us. Once again we’ve produced another striker who can score goals.

“And what a performance from my defenders and the goalkeeper. They just kept going and going. The back four were magnificent.

“The penalty was a good height for Josef, but he didn’t just save it he pushed it away from danger.

“The first 20 minutes was our best spell of the game. We were very authoritative. They took control for the rest of the first half, but we kept the ball better after the break and looked dangerous. We had the better of the chances and Sammie (Sznmodics) could have had a hat-trick.

“I have to congratulate Hull on getting promoted. One of my ex-players has done a good job there and now we just need one win to join them.

“It is what it is. The players in the dressing room are so happy, but we’ve not completed the job yet and we want to do it on Tuesday. It won’t be an easy game.

“I’m only looking at promotion right now, but if we win on Tuesday we are only a point off the top and then we’ll be promoted and we’ll try and go and win it. We have to get the first bit done though. If we can finish it off on Tuesday that will be fantastic.”