Instrumental Clarke-Harris helps Peterborough win in fine fashion

Jonson Clarke-Harris scored a 17-minute hat-trick as the Posh strolled to a 4-1 victory against strugglers Rochdale.

It was a great day at the Weston Homes Stadium for Darren Ferguson and Peterborough as fans returned to a league match for the first time since March.

The Dale will be sick of the sight of the WHS as they have now shipped ten goals in back-to-back games there.

Having fans back for Peterborough would have been a great deal for them as they have had a rusty few weeks after an emphatic start to the season.

Clarke-Harris set himself up for a good day when he tucked away a penalty inside five minutes when Idris Kanu got bundled over in the box.

Just a few minutes later and a great Stephen Humphrys finish levelled the scoring. The scores were level for no longer than 60 seconds when Clarke-Harris headed in from close range. The Leicester born forward was loving it.

The Posh’s top scorer completed his hat-trick in the 22nd minute when he was in the right place at the right time to poke in a blocked Mark Beevers shot.

It was a fantastic performance from the 26-year-old, who gave his best example of a poacher. He held up play well all game and was strong throughout. Also, there to score the goals when needed, after all, it is his job.

Having made his professional debut for Coventry at just 16 years and 21 days old, he has had plenty of experience in front of goal.

He could have had at least five goals if it weren’t for a couple of fine Jay Lynch saves, and also missing the target at point-blank range late into the second half.

Nathan Thompson put the game to bed five minutes before the half-time interval when he headed home from a corner.

Brian Barry-Murphy would have hoped his side could have continued their brilliant away form, but it was far from that.

There was no determination, right from when the fourth goal went in before the break they never really threatened after that. They set the game up for a pretty dull second half after the first was so entertaining.

One man who stood out for Peterborough was Ivorian Siriki Dembele, he led the fluid attacks with his flair. A very skillful individual and every time he got on the ball, there was a sense he would do something special with it.

He was unlucky not to get an assist or even a goal but his performance was simply up and down end to end. A great individual game from him helping the hosts jump to fourth spot in the table.

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