The Magpies need only one more point from their six remaining Coca-Cola Championship fixtures to secure their place in the top flight after goals from Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Shola Ameobi secured victory at London Road.

Hughton said: "We are so very close and hopefully we can finish the job off in front of our own fans at St James' Park on Easter Monday (when they face Sheffield United). That would be an excellent reward for the supporters who have backed us so fantastically all season.

"You always want to wrap up promotion at the first available opportunity and while that didn't happen today, we know we are nearly there.

"We have shown all season that we have the character and resilience to come from behind and pick up results, and that is something we did again."

Hughton's side had fallen behind to a classy 11th minute strike from Dominic Green, who coolly fired into an empty net after keeper Steve Harper had charged out of his area only to collide with defender Fabio Coloccini.

Nolan was on hand to touch home from close range in first-half stoppage time after good work from Jose Enrique, before Barton sublimely curled home his first goal of the season with a 25-yard free-kick in the 48th minute. Shola Ameobi's shot embarrassed Posh keeper Joe Lewis just before the hour before Liam Dickinson pulled one back for Posh.

Peterborough boss Jim Gannon praised the performance of his side, who appear doomed to a quick return to League One.

He said: "In the first half we produced some of the best football since I have been at the club.

"I felt we deserved to come in ahead at the interval and I think we proved that a bottom team can compete with a top side on any given day."

Gannon also confirmed that he will be happy to step aside before the end of the campaign should Posh appoint his successor.

Recently axed Bristol City boss Gary Johnson was present at London Road after being approached by Posh.

Gannon added: "Gary is a manager with a fantastic CV and I believe it would be an excellent move to appoint him.

"That decision is out of my hands, but I have given my advice to the club. Should a new manager come in before the end of the season, I will happily stand aside."