Peterborough United cruise home against Stoke City youngsters as Toney and Burrows impress

Toney’s acrobatic finish was the last of three first-half goals against a side managed by former Posh coach Kevin Russell.

Harrison Burrows had opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a neat finish and the midfielder provided the cross which Ricky-Jade Jones converted as Posh made it five wins from five pre-season matches.

Posh were outstanding in the first half making light of heavy rainfall. Toney, the subject of much transfer speculation again today, looked up for it and he only just failed to make contact on a terrific early cross from Burrows in the opening moments.

Premier League referee Kevin Friend then waved away penalty appeals from Toney as Posh dominated the Championship youngsters.

The second-half was a tame affair, although new goalkeeper Dan Gyollai again impressed with a fine fingertip save soon after the re-start.

Jack Taylor came closest to adding a fourth goal with a rasping drive from the edge of the penalty which just sailed over the crossbar.

New signings Reece Brown and Ethan Hamilton were both given 30 minutes in midfield as they are behind the other players in terms of fitness. Toney played for an hour and the rest managed 90 minutes.

Posh assistant manager Mark Robson said: “It was another satisfying workout. The lads are enjoying their football and playing the way the gaffer wants them to play.

“We scored some great goals, kept a clean sheet and most importantly suffered no injuries. The fitness levels are good and some got through their first 90 minutes comfortably.

“We are a work in progress and we have improvements to make ahead of some tougher opponents.”

Posh take on Derby County’s senior side at St George’s Park tomorrow (August 19, 5pm).

Posh: Gyollai, Beevers, Kent, Edwards, Ward, Burrows, Brown (sub Barker, sub Hamilton), Taylor, Tasdemir, Toney (sub Rolt), R.Jones.