Peterborough United manager backs Toney to return to scoring form

Ivan Toney in action for Posh against Southend. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Toney played well as Posh beat Southend 2-0 at the ABAX Stadium yesterday (March 23), but the win would have been far more comfortable if the 23 year-old had accepted a couple of decent scoring chances in the first-half. Toney also saw a ’goal’ disallowed for offside early in the second-half.

Toney has scored 19 goals in his first Posh season, but 16 of them arrived before the turn of the year,

“Ivan played really well,” Ferguson stated. “Apart from the most important part of his job really.

Ivan Toney's 'goal' for Posh against Southend was ruled out for offside.

“He held the ball up, he won most of his battles, he worked his socks off and at times he linked up really well with Lee Tomlin.

“It’s a shame he didn’t score, but you can see he looks a wee bit nervy in front of goal.

“He has no reason to be. Nineteen goals is a great effort and if he keeps getting into scoring positions I have no doubt the goals will start coming again.

“I had to play a slightly different system yesterday and Ivan’s role was crucial. He allows us to get up the pitch by holding the ball up well and he laid the ball off superbly at times.”

Fellow striker Matt Godden’s form in front of goal is also a concern. He has scored 16 goals in his first Posh season, but he has scoerd just twice - in the same game against Wycombe last month - since December 15.