Top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith fired Peterborough a step closer to a second successive promotion as they beat Stockport 1-0 at home.

The former Dagenham hitman made sure a nervy home side pocketed maximum points against the Hatters by hitting his 25th goal of the season.

Mackail-Smith collected a pass from strike partner Aaron Mclean before cleverly chipping the ball over advancing County keeper Conrad Logan in the 25th minute.

Posh were almost made to pay early in the second period when County substitute Oli Johnson smashed against a crossbar from close range after goalkeeper Joe Lewis had parried a Leon McSweeney free-kick into his path.

Mackail-Smith sent an overhead kick straight at Logan before substitute Chris Whelpdale unleashed a 30-yard blockbuster that crashed against an upright late on.