Sam Hoskins scored a first-half brace as Northampton returned to winning ways to ease their League One relegation fears as they hammered 10-man Peterborough 4-0.

It was a first-half assault from the Cobblers after Tayo Edun received his second red card in a month.

The Cobblers, who went close early on when Cameron McGeehan’s effort was cleared off the line, broke the deadlock as Hoskins fired home his first in the 15th minute.

Edun was shown red just before the half-hour mark for lashing out at McGeehan, while Hoskins hit his 88th league goal for the club with a 33rd-minute penalty.

It was three when McGeehan intercepted James Dornelly’s attempted clearance and slipped in Dara Costello to slot home before the break.

After the restart, McGeehan’s strike was spilled by Jed Steer before Costello’s effort was scrambled off the line.

Steer did well to keep out Tom Eaves’ effort before Tariq Fosu failed to bundle the rebound home as the visitors pushed for more.

The fourth came at the death as Tyler Roberts headed home his second goal of the season.

The result means Kevin Nolan’s side opened up a welcome seven-point cushion after their first win in five, while Posh are two points further ahead in 15th.