Bristol Rovers eased their relegation fears and deepened Peterborough’s own worries with a 3-1 win at the Memorial Stadium.

Goals from James Wilson, Isaac Hutchinson and Ruel Sotiriou put the Pirates in charge and Peterborough could only respond through Ricky-Jade Jones’ stoppage-time consolation.

Rovers’ third victory under new manager Inigo Calderon lifts them up to 18th place in League One on 31 points, a point above Peterborough and six clear of the bottom four.

Darren Ferguson’s visitors should have taken an early lead but Swedish striker Gustav Lindgren squandered a gilt-edged chance when he fired wide with just goalkeeper Josh Griffiths to beat.

He was soon made to pay as Rovers went ahead in the 16t minute when unmarked centre-back James Wilson converted a simple opportunity, tapping in newly-arrived Wycombe loanee Matt Butcher’s corner from close range.

Midfielder Hutchinson strengthened Rovers’ grip on the contest after 62 minutes when he latched on to Grant Ward’s clever pass and coolly beat Nicholas Bilokapic with an angled shot.

Posh finally raised their game and substitute Cian Hayes saw a shot deflected on to the top of the crossbar before Chris Conn Clarke’s well-struck volley was expertly tipped over by Griffiths.

But the points were wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Sotiriou sent the home fans wild by adding a third goal. Posh were caught as Sotiriou broke forward before cutting inside his marker and expertly beating Bilokapic from 15 yards.

Jones got Posh on the scoreboard in the closing stages when he backheeled in Malik Mothersille’s ball but it was too little too late for Peterborough, who have not won on the road in the league since August.