TWO late goals condemned the Blues to defeat at the Deva Stadium this afternoon as Bobby Williamson’s men lost their top-of-the-table clash against the Posh.

United strikers Aaron Mclean and Craig Mackail-Smith netted in the final 10 minutes to cancel out Mark Hughes’ opener.

The City midfielder had put the hosts into the lead with a goal three minutes into first-half injury time. After good work from Kevin Ellison, Nathan Lowndes and John Murphy on the left flank, Hughes picked up the ball and drove home a low shot from 20 yards.

But Peterborough – who are now second in League Two – finished strongly and dominated the final half-hour.

Mclean made it 1-1 in the 80th minute, netting from close range after Jamie Day’s left-wing cross was only partially cleared. And six minutes from time, Mackail-Smith bagged the winner from the penalty spot following a foul by Kevin Roberts on sub Jeff Hughes.

Chester: Danby, Marples, Butler, Linwood, Wilson (Sandwith 30), Rutherford (McManus 82), Hughes, Roberts, Ellison, Murphy, Lowndes (Yeo 82). Subs: Ward, Vaughan.

Booked: Rutherford.

Goal: Hughes 45.

Peterborough: Tyler, Gnakpa, Morgan, Westwood (Hughes 69), Day, Whelpdale (Low 63), Hyde, Lee (Keates 63), Boyd, Mclean, Mackail-Smith. Subs: Jalal, Howe.

Booked: Mclean.

Goals: Mclean 80, Mackail-Smith 85 pen.

Attendance: 2,291.

Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire).