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South Londoner foils Charlton Athletic – as Darren Ferguson breaks down Peterborough’s Valley victory

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson praised his South London-born goalkeeper Joe Bursik after their 1-0 win at Charlton.

Jonson Clarke-Harris fired the Posh ahead at The Valley but Bursik, on loan from Stoke City, saved Jayden Stockley’s first-half penalty.

Sammie Smzodics wasted two chances to score as well as hitting the post late on from close range.

Ferguson told Peterborough’s YouTube channel: “What a win for us. We knew the magnitude of the game. We started the game so well – the first 20 minutes we were fantastic. We should have been two, maybe three-nil up.

“It was a very authorative start. I thought they [Charlton] looked nervous, I have to say. But that was our best period. After that we didn’t look after the ball well enough. It sort of flipped. We said at half-time that the first half was a game of two halves – because we were well on top and then they got on top of us.”

Alex Gilbey was brought down by Frankie Kent but Bursik, born in Lambeth and formerly on AFC Wimbledon’s books, dived to his left to push away Stockley’s attempt.

Ferguson said: “Sloppy penalty we gave away, but a fantastic save by Joe. Good height – but a great save. He got a big hand to it. It didn’t come back to the striker. He was very good. Confident. His kicking is very good.

“He is just very, very composed. I knew when we signed him that we needed that type of goalkeeper.

Joe Bursik saves Jayden Stockley’s penalty

“We gave it away in the middle of the pitch and Frankie has gone with his wrong leg and the referee thinks he has got a touch [on Gilbey].

“We dug it out. What a performance from my defenders and my team – they just kept going and going. The back four were magnificent.

“But we had the better chances. Sammie could’ve got a hat-trick, easily.”

Jonson Clarke-Harris beats Charlton keeper Ben Amos

Clarke-Harris, formerly a transfer target for Charlton during East Street Investments disastrous spell in charge, produced a clinical finish.

“He’s had an unbelievable season,” said Ferguson. “He’s got 29 league goals – it’s an incredible return.

“Not just that, what he gives to the team. He’s been a brilliant signing and again we’ve produced another striker who scores goals.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD

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