Peterborough manager Daren Ferguson has expressed confidence in the goal-scoring prowess of Reggae Boy Jonson Clarke-Harris, provided he continues to receive opportunities in front of the net.
Clarke-Harris, 29, has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign, netting three goals in seven League One appearances. This follows his outstanding performance last season when he secured the coveted Golden Boot award by scoring 26 goals.
In their recent 3-0 victory over Cheltenham at London Road, Clarke-Harris found the back of the net, drawing praise from manager Ferguson.
Good for Jonno to get a goal
Ferguson stated, “It was good for Jonno to get a goal. That just shows what Jonno’s about. If he’s in a team that provides chances, as he has been here for many years, we know he’s going to score goals.”
He emphasized that Clarke-Harris’s goal-scoring ability is not solely dependent on the team’s style of play, noting, “It’s not about how we play because, really, the way we’re playing now is not too different from the way we played when we’ve had success before. Maybe we’re building up a little bit more from the back.”
Ferguson continued, “But we know if Jonno gets balls in the box, the boy scores goals. There’s no one in the league like him.”
Clarke-Harris’s impressive form comes after a deadline-day transfer disappointment earlier in the month when a reported £800,000 transfer to Bristol Rovers fell through due to paperwork issues. The player had been transfer-listed by the club after they missed out on promotion to the Championship.
Sits in ninth place with 13 points
Despite the setback, Peterborough, who finished sixth last season, has started the new season well and currently sits in ninth place with 13 points. Ferguson emphasized the need for the team to become more clinical in front of goal.
Ferguson stated, “We just need to keep working well as a group because our final cross is not finding our men enough. We saw that again [on Tuesday] on many occasions.”
He acknowledged the importance of their recent victory over Cheltenham, especially after a disappointing performance in their previous match. Ferguson concluded, “We’re doing okay.”
In their most recent game, Peterborough faced Bolton and drew 1-1, with Clarke-Harris finding the net in the 42nd minute.
