Peterborough boss Ferguson praises ‘patient’ win

Darren Ferguson praised Peterborough’s perseverance as his side ran riot in the second half to thrash struggling Southend 4-0.

Posh moved into the automatic promotion places thanks to Ivan Toney’s brace and strikes from Siriki Dembele and Jack Taylor, in what was a sixth consecutive victory for Ferguson’s men.

The win was marred somewhat, however, by leading marksman Toney’s 10th yellow card of the season, which resulted in a two-match ban.

“It was becoming a bit frustrating,” Ferguson said.

“I told the boys at half time to simply find a way of winning by being patient.

“The first goal was pivotal. In fact, them hitting the post a minute before we scored was the most pivotal moment. Maybe we’re just getting those elements of luck at the moment. After that we went on to win the game comfortably.

“I have no interest in records, I just want promotion and that’s everyone’s aim here. Of course six wins on the bounce with four clean sheets is great though and our goal difference is improving significantly.”

Posh began on the front foot and a neat move down the left resulted in a low cross from Dan Butler that just needed a touch, but the ball crept wide.

In the 11th minute Niall Mason crossed from the opposite flank for Toney, but his side-footed volley went just wide.

A rare foray forward from the visitors resulted in their first shot on goal after 34 minutes, but Matt Rush’s effort was too tame to trouble Christy Pym.

The visitors were unfortunate not to be ahead four minutes after the break when Mark Milligan’s 25-yard deflected volley hit the inside of the post and rebounded to safety.

The breakthrough arrived a minute later at the other end though when Joe Ward combined with Dembele and the latter fired low under Mark Oxley.

Taylor doubled the lead seven minutes later when the ball fell kindly for him and he lashed home through a crowded area.

The Shrimpers’ evening went from bad to worse with 20 minutes to go as Toney got in on the act by rounding Oxley and tapping home following substitute Josh Knight’s pass.

Toney then added a fourth on 74 minutes, rising highest to head home Dan Butler’s corner from 12 yards.

Sol Campbell was clearly frustrated with the size of his squad after the game.

“It’s almost a case of me having to play an under-23 side against what is a very good League One side in Peterborough,” he said.

“Those above me let a number of players leave in the window and we didn’t bring anyone in. It was a very poor January. That makes it very difficult when you come up against sides like this who are able to spend so much money in comparison.

“We’re a fragile team made up of fragile players. My hands are tied and I can’t do anything about it now.”