Craig Mackail-Smith struck his 21st goal of the season as Peterborough United earned a 1-1 draw at play-off chasing Tranmere Rovers after a battling display which also included some excellent passing football in spells by Darren Ferguson's men.

Manager Darren Ferguson was boosted by the return of on-loan defender James Chester while Charlie Lee recovered from a knock sustained against Yeovil Town. Lee Frecklington was named among the substitutes as the game at Prenton Park got underway with Sir Alex Ferguson an interested watcher from the stands.

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith had the first opportunity of the game, volleying wide from a tight angle after a long throw from Chris Whelpdale caused a few problems in the Tranmere back-line.

Steve Jennings fired wide at the other end after cutting inside from the left following a patient build up by the hosts. The home side opened the scoring on 17 minutes as the ball fell invitingly for midfielder Charlie BARNETT who volleyed the ball into the top corner past Joe Lewis. Zakuani and Lee had both blocked initial efforts but Barnett timed his run as the ball dropped loose and rifled the ball into the back of the net.

Mclean immediately fired across the six-yard box after a neat turn on the edge of the area as Posh tried to respond. Ian Moore curled a 30-yard effort just over the crossbar moments later after again cutting in from the left.

Bas Savage saw a low shot go wide on 22 minutes as Posh tinkered with their formation to try and get George Boyd more involved. Jennings fired wide after a swift Tranmere counter-attack following a poor free-kick from Coutts at the other end which was easily cleared.

Zakuani was cautioned by referee Mr Gibbs for a foul on Bas Savage on 33 minutes. Manager Darren Ferguson made a bold substitution moments later with Lee Frecklington replacing Whelpdale with no obvious injury apparent to the winger.

Mclean headed a Russell Martin cross wide of the target on 37 minutes after Frecklington brought Boyd into the game with a neat pass. Posh drew themselves level on 38 minutes as a lucky ricochet fell kindly for MACKAIL-SMITH who struck the ball early and through the legs of Achterberg for his 21st goal of the campaign.

A glorious piece of individual skill from Boyd saw him turn away from danger and deliver a superb raking pass to Mackail-Smith, but the striker miss-hit his shot and Achterberg gratefully dived onto the ball.

Mclean saw a right-foot shot comfortably claimed by Achterberg as Tranmere protested that a free-kick should have been awarded in their favour following a slight foul by Frecklington on Jennings.

A neat interchange of passing around the box involving Boyd, Frecklington and Mclean ended with a left-foot shot from Mackail-Smith, which was parried by Achterberg unconvincingly. However, the goalkeeper produced a fine stop less than 60 seconds later to push a Boyd shot around the post.

Boyd was then a coat of paint away from putting Posh ahead after a thunderous 25-yard first time shot which cracked the post before rebounding back into play. It was a stunning effort from the wide-man and deserved a goal.

Martin curled a free-kick just past the post after a foul on Mclean was penalised by the official. Ian Moore fired wide following a rare attack by the hosts on 57 minutes. Goalkeeper Joe Lewis made a great block to deny Sonko after a poor header from Lee was capitalised on by the Rovers winger.

Mackail-Smith saw a goal-bound shot deflect wide of the target after Posh counter-attacked at pace. Mclean then fired wide from a tight angle after a good first time pass from Mackail-Smith.

Charlie Lee squandered a great chance to put the visitors into the lead after breaking into the penalty box, but he fired over the bar with his favoured right-foot. Zakuani was lucky to escape a second caution for a foul on substitute Shuker, but the free-kick was in a very dangerous position, however Posh cleared the danger.

The impressive Shotton headed a Shuker free-kick wide of the target on 80 minutes, but Posh were giving away too many free-kicks in dangerous positions. Coutts was cautioned for a blatant tug of Edds' shirt in the centre circle for yet another set-piece.

Mclean created a bit of space for himself on 83 minutes following an impressive burst down the left, but he fired his shot wide of Achterberg's left-hand post. Three minutes of added time was indicated by the fourth official as Tranmere pressed for the winner.

Tranmere had the ball back in the net deep in stoppage time as Savage tucked the ball home from close-range, but the official gave a foul for a push on Zakuani. Thankfully the referee blew for the final whistle moments later and it was a well-earned point for Posh.

Final Score: Tranmere Rovers 1-1 Peterborough United

Referee: P Gibbs