Goals from Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Radhi Jaidi and Lee Barnard gave the Saints a routine victory which leaves them in fifth spot. However they have three games in hand on second-placed Bournemouth and are only six points behind as they target a return to the Championship.
Adkins said: "It was a good three points, it was 4-1 but we could have had more because we started the game brightly and hit the post a couple of times.
"Set plays are always critical and the two headed goals we scored were right from the training ground so that has pleased me immensely.
"We have got a great team who want to do well and even on the bench there are players that can come on and change the game.
"It is now a vital part of the season and we have to continue picking up points if we want to get promoted."
Source: PA
Source: PA