A goal in each half helped promotion-chasing Peterborough United to a hard-fought 2-1 away victory at Brentford on Tuesday evening.Aaron McLean headed the visitors into a 10th-minute lead from a Claude Gnapka cross but his side had to withstand pressure from the hosts. Glenn Poole fired wide, Nathan Elder powered a header over the top and Alan Bennett had a looping effort tipped over the crossbar as the Bees battled back.

But Craig Mackail-Smith doubled the visitors advantage in the 58th minute when he raced onto a McLean flick and finished well.

Alan Connell pulled one back for Brentford with a deflected shot four minutes later and they had chances to equalise, Joe Lewis saving the best of them from Poole.

Brentford also had a shout for a late penalty for an alleged Craig Morgan handball but appeals were waved away.

Mackail-Smith could have sealed the win, firing wide when well placed, and forcing Simon Brown into a brilliant low save.

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