RYAN Ledson saluted Conor McAleny’s quality after the on-loan striker claimed the winner for Oxford United at London Road.

The 24-year-old was unable to convert a hat-trick of

first-half chances, but expertly steered in Chris Maguire’s cross 19 minutes from time.

It proved the decisive goal, as Peterborough United hit back late on to lose 2-1.

The effort was McAleny’s fifth since joining on deadline day in January, a tally for the U’s in Sky Bet League One which is only surpassed by Chris Maguire.

Ledson played with McAleny in Everton’s youth sides and was thrilled to see him come up trumps again.

He said: “Conor’s a top lad, an outstanding player and you can see the quality he’s got.

“I could see he was a bit frustrated with himself because he’d had chances.

“But with Conor another chance will always come and he’s the type of player who will get you the goal you need.”

McAleny could count himself a touch fortunate to still be on the pitch to score the winner after a scuffle over a throw-in late in the first half boiled over.

Posh centre back Jack Baldwin ended up on the floor and while referee Mark Heywood made the right call to caution McAleny, other officials may have seen it differently.

U’s boss Michael Appleton said: “I think the referee was a bit bemused why the lad tried to confront him because he’d given him the ball back.

“The referee was certainly a bit lenient and used a bit of common sense.”