Early goals from defender Jos Hooiveld - his seventh of the season - and Sharp set the visitors on their way.

Sharp made it 17 goals for the season as his second all but sealed the points, with a late strike from Tommy Rowe little more than consolation for the home side.

The victory moved Saints five points clear of third-placed West Ham in the automatic promotion race and they trail leaders Reading by three points to move to the brink of back-to-back promotions.

Adkins said: "It was a good victory away from home and the players deserve great credit for that.

"It was a thoroughly professional display and an excellent response to the defeat against Reading on Friday.

"We are not concerning ourselves with results elsewhere or the amount of points we may need to secure promotion.

"We have two matches left and we want to put six more points on the board. Our aim has always been to be champions and that hasn't changed."

Big achievement

Despite a third straight defeat it was still a successful night at London Road for Posh who overcame the odds to seal Championship safety.

Boss Darren Ferguson said: "It is our biggest achievement as a club by miles but it is a very different feeling to winning promotion. This is more about relief than joy.

"We have stayed up because we were outstanding in the first half of the season. We haven't been great lately but always knew the effects of having such a short break after winning the League One play-offs last summer would catch up with us.

"Our lads deserve great credit for what they achieved - none more so than Gaby (Zakuani) who is a brilliant example to young players - but we really want to win our last home game against Watford on Saturday for the fans."