MARK Cooper heaped praise on match-winner Jermaine Hylton as the youngster came off the bench to notch his first goal in professional football to secure a 1-0 win for Swindon Town over Peterborough.

There were plenty of chances at either end as both teams looked to attack, yet somehow when Hylton was introduced in the 70th minute the score was 0-0.

Prior to the goal the best chance came from the spot when Jonathan Obika won a penalty from Peterborough’s Michael Smith. However it was an opportunity spurned as top-scorer Andy Williams rattled the bar from 12 yards.

Hylton has not featured much of late, finding himself fourth in the pecking order of Town strikers. Now with a play-off spot almost a certainty the former Redditch United man might get a bit more time as Cooper looks to keep his players fresh.

After his goalscoring exploits against Posh the Town boss was delighted for his young charge.

“I was very pleased to see Jermaine score,” Cooper told the local media. “I’ve been saying to you guys for a while I think he will be a real good addition to our squad.

“He’s another exciting young player who, in those little cameo appearances, we’ve seen he’s shown promise.

“We see at close quarters every day. The boy’s got a real chance (to go far), he’s got really good ability.

“Today he’s come off the bench and got us the three points. Jon Obika does well, rolls it back to him and Jermaine’s finished.”

Town are now just one win from guaranteeing a play-off spot, a good achievement with so six games still to play. Cooper is pleased to have attained that position so early, but does not want to take his eyes off the potential of more.

“I’m over the moon with the achievement so far,” he added. “The young players have done very well and the town and the supporters should be proud of them, because I am.

“But, we haven’t finished yet.”