The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Four wins in a row as Posh progress pleases the boss
POSH - PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY REPORTS AND REACTION
Posh boss Darren Ferguson is pleased with his side’s progress this summer after an 8-0 romp against Kettering Town was followed by an impressive all-round display in a 2-0 success at Mansfield Town.
It’s four wins from four friendlies for Posh this pre-season, but it’s the performances rather than the results that are bringing a smile to the manager’s face.
Teenager Brad Rolt hit a hat-trick against Kettering, when Mo Eisa bagged his first two goals of pre-season.
Goals from Siriki Dembele and George Boyd headlined the Mansfield win.
“I’ve seen two good team displays and some excellent individual performances in the last few days,” Ferguson remarked.
“I’m delighted for Brad. The boy wants to learn and get better. He is a natural finisher as his goals against Kettering showed.
“He played well against Mansfield as well, but there were many strong performances in that game.
“I’d pick Ronnie Edwards for the first team now judged on his display, while Harrison Burrows was excellent. He’s stronger physically now and all the better for it.
“Siriki Dembele and Mo Eisa were good, while Nathan Thompson showed what a top player he will be for us this season. He didn’t have a pre-season before he signed for us last year so this year he has gone away and got himself very fit.
“Nathan looks great. He is a top defender, but also a natural leader.
“In terms of all-round performance we controlled the Mansfield game better than any other so far this summer so that was encouraging.
“Of course we are a work in progress, but we are moving in the right direction.”
The last two friendlies were played over two 60-minute periods and that will become two 75-minute matches when Posh host Lincoln behind closed doors on Saturday.
Star man Ivan Toney could feature in that match if he is still at the club by the weekend.
“If Ivan is here at the start of the season he will play,” Ferguson added. “I have to be mindful of that scenario so he will need to be match fit so he could play this weekend.”