Peterborough United manager praised a superb team effort after Posh thrashed Ipswich Town at Portman Road

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson praised a superb team effort as Posh thrashed promotion rivals Ipswich Town 4-1 at Portman Road today (February 1).
Sammie Szmodics of Peterborough United scores his side's second goal of the game at Ipswich. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Sammie Szmodics of Peterborough United scores his side's second goal of the game at Ipswich. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Sammie Szmodics of Peterborough United scores his side's second goal of the game at Ipswich. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Sammie Szmodics (2), Siriki Dembele and Ivan Toney (penalty) scored the goals as Posh jumped above the Tractor Boys into third place, just one point outside the automatic promotion places.

Ipswich pulled a goal back late on from the penalty spot when captain Mark Beevers was harshly adjudged to have commited a foul.

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It was a fourth League One in a row for Posh and three have arrived at the expense of teams in the top four.

“All credit to the players as not many teams will come to Ipswich and score four goals,” Ferguson said.

“And it was a real team effort. The front three were a handful and the back three were very strong. We played well throughout the team and it’s obvious we have a lot of confidence and momentum at the moment.

“You learn a lot about players in the tough times and we had a bad time only recently, but the desire to work through it and to come out of the other side so strongly is a credit to them. To beat three teams in the top is some achievement.

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“We felt the first goal would be vital today and we got it. To get to 2-0 at half-time was a real bonus. The third goal was then always going to be key and to score it so early made the second half very comfortable.

“I was only disappointed by the failure to keep a clean sheet because we deserved one and the penalty decision was a terrible one.

“Siriki Dembele was very good again. His finish and his work for the final goal were outstanding pieces of skill and of course he won us a blatant penalty. The front three all pressed really well which we knew would cause them problems.

“Siriki is one of several players who looks very fresh. The new lads have all settled in well and they are enjoying their football.

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“I had no hesitation in picking the same team and substitutes, but I am wary of managing the players who aren’t in the side currently.

“But this is a tight-knit group and the whole squad will be celebrating this run of results.

“They should certainly enjoy this one as this was a big result against a very big club at our level.

“It’s great for the fans as well. They’ve travelled in their numbers again today and the boys will be delighted they put on a big show.”

Posh host another promotion contender Oxford United at the Weston Homes Stadium next Saturday (February 8).