Terrific Toney to get some help

In-form Ivan Toney is convinced he won’t be shouldering the Peterborough United goalscoring burden on his own for much longer.

The first professional hattrick of his career in Tuesday’s FA Cup win over Bradford City means the 22 year-old has scored nine goals in his last eight appearances. He’s scored nine of Posh’s last 15 goals in all competitions.

Toney’s treble at Valley Parade consisted of a spectacular 50-yard strike from a free-kick and two headers from Marcus Maddison crosses.

Potential strike partners Matt Godden and Jason Cummings have not scored a League One goal since October 13 and August 25 respectively.

“Matt and Jason are both getting into scoring positions on a regular basis,” Toney said. “The goals will soon start flowing freely for them again. It wasn’t that long ago when I was having to stay patient as they couldn’t stop scoring.

“I’m on a good run. I’m just trying to get on the end of things in the penalty area. You know exactly where Marcus will put his crosses. He will create so many goals for us.

“I’ve scored a long range goal like that before. I just saw the keeper off his line and went for it. It was either going in or hitting the corner flag.

“It’s my first hat-trick and I’ve dedicated it to my nan and grandad who I know are looking down on me.

“I am enjoying my football here and the lads all enjoy playing with each other.

“We will take the positives from winning at Bradford into the game at Shrewsbury and hopefully get another good result. I might need to buy some new legs before then as Tuesday was tiring, but I will be ready for Saturday.”

Posh boss Steve Evans is expecting a tough test at Shrewsbury who will be playing their first home game under new manager Sam Ricketts.

“I believe Shrewsbury have made an excellent appointment,” Evans said. “What he was doing at Wrexham was outstanding in a tough league.

“It’s the start of another tough period for us as we then play a Walsall side who are having a brilliant season, but we will be ready for the challenge. We want our fans to enjoy Christmas!”

Posh will have to rearrange their League One game at Bristol Rovers which was scheduled for Saturday, January 5.

Posh will now be at Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Cup on that day.

Ivan Toney (left) celebrates his hat-trick goal at Bradford City with George Cooper.