Peterborough United 1-3 Southampton

Southampton have strengthened their grip on second spot in the Championship with a 3-1 win over Peterborough United on Tuesday.

The away side started the better and they opened the lead after just five minutes when Jos Hooiveld headed a Daniel Fox cross into the net from close range.

It was quickly 2-0 for Southampton after just 10 minutes when Billy Sharp struck from close range after good work from Richard Chaplow.

It might have been three moments later when Adam Lallana had an effort from distance, but Paul Jones made the save.

The home side's first real chance fell to Tyrone Barnett after 14 minutes, but he was thwarted by Kelvin Davis in the Southampton goal.

Gabriel Zakuani was next to come close for the home side after 19 minutes, but twice he struck wide from close range.

Southampton continued to dominate in the latter stages of the half, but George Boyd so nearly cut the deficit to 2-1 just before the break. However, his effort was blocked on the line by Chaplow.

The home side might have found a way back into the match moments after the interval, but Lee Tomlin could only find Davis from close range.

Southampton ended any possible hope of a comeback, however, when Sharp grabbed his second of the match after 57 minutes to move the away side into a 3-0 lead.

It might have been four when Dean Hammond struck from close range after 70 minutes, but he missed the target.

Tommy Rowe added a late consolation for the home side with a cool finish five minutes from time, but it did little to dampen Southampton's celebrations.