ALAN SWANN’s Peterborough United player ratings from the 4-0 drubbing of Oxford United

Ivan Toney of Peterborough United in action with John Mousinho of Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Ivan Toney of Peterborough United in action with John Mousinho of Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Ivan Toney of Peterborough United in action with John Mousinho of Oxford United. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Peterborough United’s players rose to the challenge again as they claimed a fifth League One win in a row at the expense of promotion rivals Oxford United.

Top scorer Ivan Toney scored twice, but he was far from the only success story in another scintillating Posh display.

Christy Pym: Well protected by his defenders, but when he was called into action he was very safe. Two outstanding late saves from headers capped a fine display from a goalkeeper who is now looking very secure 7

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Nathan Thompson: He was troubled by the speed and trickery of Marcus Browne and a deserved first-half caution left him walking a tightrope for the rest of the game. His second yellow, and subsequent red, looked harsh given some of the clear fouls a dreadful referee did miss 6

Nathan Thompson (hidden) is shown a red card by referee Alain Haines. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.Nathan Thompson (hidden) is shown a red card by referee Alain Haines. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.
Nathan Thompson (hidden) is shown a red card by referee Alain Haines. Photo: Joe Dent/theposh.com.

Mark Beevers: Oustanding at the heart of the Posh defence. Aerially dominant and read danger so quickly he always snuffed it out 9

Frankie Kent: Picked up an early injury that looked serious. A shame for a centre-back in fine form 6

Joe Ward: Clearly at home these days in the wing-back position. Defended well and set up a good first-half chance for Dembele. Weak set-pieces the only criticism 7

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Dan Butler: Played with bags of energy and had a hand in two goals in the second-half, one by running 50 yards with the ball and playing a simple yet effective pass and then with a terrific free kick. No issues defensively 9

Jack Taylor: Didn’t pass the ball as well as he can. In fact he gave it away a lot, but he put a top shift in and worked hard at closing gifted players down 7

Reece Brown: He’s a calm and unassuming presence in midfield. Lacks Josh Knight’s dynamism, but he is adept at keeping possession in tight areas. Taken off straight after the red card 7

Sammie Szmodics: The on-loan star just doesn’t stop running. He constantly put defenders under pressure and three goal assists is not a bad afternoon’s work 9

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Ivan Toney: He was actually a little sloppy before the break, but what a display he delivered in the second-half. Two goals, one outrageous long pass which helped create the fourth goal and physically awesome. His booking was soft though, but then the referee did him no favours all game 9

Siriki Dembele: The best player on the pitch in the first-half when he claimed the crucial first goal with a cool finish. Should have had another soon afterwards and then sacrificed when Posh went down to 10 men 8

Substitutes

Niall Mason: (for Kent, 28 mins) Rock solid at the back and tidy on the ball 7

Josh Knight: (for Brown, 67 mins) Gave the team extra energy and a fine finish for the fourth goal 7

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Rhys Bennett: (for Dembele, 67 mins) Helped keep a dangerous attacking side at bay by winning his contests 7

Ricky-Jade Jones: (not used).

Aaron Chapman: (not used).

George Boyd: (not used).

Mo Eisa: (not used).