Jim Gannon received a boost when Liam Dickinson declared himself fit for the massive promotion-clash at London Road.

The County boss had to make one enforced change from the side that beat Mansfield in midweek, though, with Shaleum Logan replacing Stephen Gleeson who had a slight hamstring strain.

Gannon's other change saw Jim McNulty recalled in place of Michael Rose, who dropped to the bench.

It was The Posh who were the first out of the blocks when County conceded a cheap free-kick on the edge of the penalty area after Gary Dicker had fouled Liam Hatch. However County managed to block the usually dangerous Dean Keates.

A careless mistake again by Dicker moments later nearly gifted George Boyd a golden opportunity to get the home sides noses ahead, but his effort went high and wide.

Dicker redeemed himself later on with a good clearance, as Hatch lingered in the area ready to provide the execution.

At the other end, a textbook header from Dickinson beat Lewis and Jamie Day had to be at his best to clear off the line.

It was end to end stuff as both sides looked up for this and there was some good football being played. Jason Taylor created one of the best chances when he burst into the area with fabulous skill, finding Jamie Smith in space, but the popular right-back over hit his cross..

At the other end, the usually reliable partnership of Raynes and Owen allowed the smallest man on the pitch, Aaron McLean to get a head in on goal much to the disgust of Gannon. Thankfully the calm and collected Ruddy gathered well.

County had Dom Blizzard and Michael Raynes to thank for a couple of fantastic tackles as The Posh started to get on top of the game.

Gary Whelpdale had a good chance for the home side as they continued to press. The lively Maclean was causing The Hatters problems, however Ruddy looked solid in the County goal and he made a great save to deny Whelpdale on the 41st minute.

County were lucky not to concede a penalty moments before the break when Jamie Smith was seen to have raised his arm. Moments after this Logan conceded a needless free-kick from a dangerous free-kick and Morgan went close to putting the home side ahead.

Second Half

The Hatters were dealt a severe blow at half-time with an injury to Michael Raynes, meaning that Gannon had to shuffle his pack with Smith converting to centre back. Anthony Pilkington entered the fray as Logan reverted to right-back.

County missed a golden chance to score when Anthony Pilkington won a ball in the middle of the park, he found Taylor with space in front of goal but his first touch forced him too wide and a golden opportunity had gone.

There was a moment of controversy with a tangle between Taylor and McLean. Both players received a booking as the game started to heat up and the pressure started to get to both sides. Dickinson was also booked, despite acting as peacekeeper.

The Hatters had the lead on the 59th minute when Jason Taylor found Rowe in space and despite getting the ball caught underneath his feet he managed to redeem himself and put the ball beyond Lewis' reach to send the away fans into wonderland.

The home side continued to pressure County with George Boyd going close on a couple of occasions, John Ruddy however made two comfortable saves.

Charlie Lee looked dangerous after his introduction, and he won a corner ball on the 69th minute. Craig Morgan went close with a good head but again Ruddy made a good save.

At the other end Liam Dickinson got the better of Chris Westwood, but after getting into a good position he shot well wide.

Gary Dicker gave a way a free-kick in a dangerous position, much to the disgust of Gannon but The Posh wasted the opportunity. Moments later Peterborough hit the top of the cross bar from a Chris Morgan header.

It was a nervy finish as the referee found an additional five minutes, but County created the best  chance when Liam Dickinson won the ball in the area and unselfishly fed the ball to Rowe. In honesty he should have gone alone as the young winger lost the ball. In the end though one goal was enough as The Hatters marched on.