Toney breaks scoring record, Gray on target

LONDON, (CMC):

Reggae Boyz target Ivan Toney broke the English Championship scoring record yesterday when he netted his 31st goal of the season as Brentford warmed up for the play-offs with a convincing final-day 3-1 victory over struggling Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Brentford, who were already assured of third place, took a 57th-minute lead when 25-year-old Toney reacted quickly to round goalkeeper Daniel Bentley before tapping the ball home.

Toney’s composed finish means he has now scored the most goals in the second tier since it was rebranded as the Championship 17 years ago.

“I’m so delighted that Ivan did break the record because he is humble with his talent and deserves all the success he gets,” said Brentford head coach Thomas Frank.

Bryan Mbeumo made it 2-0 on 78 minutes from a neat pass by Sergi Canos, who sealed a dominant win for the Bees with a first-time finish at the far post five minutes later, before substitute Louis Britton struck a late consolation on his debut for the hosts.

English-born players

In March, it was reported that Toney would be called up to the Jamaican national team as part of a move by the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) to target a string of English-born players, in a bid to improve the Reggae Boyz’ chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

JFF president Michael Ricketts claimed Toney was in the process of acquiring a Jamaican passport, but Toney reportedly rejected Jamaica’s call, saying he still harboured an ambition to represent England, where he was born.

Elsewhere in the Championship, new Reggae Boy Andre Gray’s fifth goal of the season set up promoted Watford’s 2-0 win at home to Swansea City, who will face Barnsley in the play-offs.