There were six different scorers for Saints, Alex Chamberlain opening the scoring and Adam Lallana adding a second. Guly Do Prado made it three, Richard Chaplow grabbed the fourth with an emphatic drive from 16 yards, Rickie Lambert slotted in a fifth and substitute Lee Barnard completed the rout four minutes from time.
Adkins said: "Our mentality was bang on right through the game and they all worked very hard for 94 minutes. I don't know yet if it's the best performance they have given me since I came to the club but it's a very good victory at a difficult place.
"Sometimes when you look back at our games you think we weren't ruthless enough but we had six different scorers and we`ve put ourselves in a good position for the second half of the season.
"We are keeping our feet on the ground and just striving to be the best we can, but obviously I am delighted. The wheels are in motion and you have to be pleased with the performance on a cold Tuesday night at Oldham.
"Our work-rate and effort are something everyone has bought into and wants to be a part of."
Source: PA
Source: PA