Brad Ihionvien’s stunning turnaround continued on Tuesday night as the Peterborough United striker fired a hat-trick in an 8-1 demolition of Peterborough Sports.
Having been written off by many just months ago, the 21-year-old is now making himself impossible to ignore ahead of the new League One season.
Hat-Trick Hero Ihionvien Forces His Way Back Into the Frame
Once seemingly out of the picture at Posh, Ihionvien has responded emphatically this summer. His treble at PIMS Park took him to six goals in just three pre-season games, a remarkable return that has breathed new life into a career some thought had stalled.
His first arrived inside two minutes with a composed dinked finish, and after seeing another effort cleared off the line and a 25-yard chip brilliantly saved, he capitalised on a defensive error to add his second. His third came just after the interval, capping off a sharp move started by Cian Hayes.
The forward’s re-emergence is particularly notable given manager Darren Ferguson had previously admitted his chances of breaking into the first team looked slim. But Ihionvien’s energy, confidence and clinical edge in recent outings suggest he is determined to change that narrative.
His movement was a constant threat throughout the match. He could have had five before half-time and even struck the bar with a header from a corner just before the whistle. It didn’t matter in the end. He’s no longer just an option – he’s a serious contender.
Renewed Posh Sharpness
Ihionvien’s resurgence mirrors the togetherness and renewed sharpness across the Posh squad. The team have now scored 15 goals in three pre-season fixtures, including one against a Championship side. But no player has grabbed the moment quite like Ihionvien.
Goals from Abraham Odoh, Harley Mills, Kyrell Lisbie and two from Gustav Lindgren added gloss to the scoreline, but it was the forward in the number nine shirt who stole the show.
The quality of opposition may not match what’s to come, but with every confident finish and intelligent run, Ihionvien is making his case.
Writer’s View
Brad Ihionvien’s revival is one of the most compelling stories of Peterborough United’s pre-season. Left behind not long ago, he’s now charging forward with renewed purpose. It’s the kind of personal comeback that lifts a squad and gives a manager a welcome dilemma.
Posh have long thrived on developing young forwards, and Ihionvien’s form suggests he might be the next name to follow in that tradition. Pre-season can often flatter, but there’s something different about his hunger. If this continues, he won’t just be a story of the summer – he’ll be a weapon come August.
