The opening goal came just after the hour mark when Declan Frith was found in acres of space down the right and his cross was turned into his own net by Joe Rafferty.

The Posh doubled their lead through substitute Brandon Khela who arrowed into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Peterborough had several more chances to extend their lead but Cameron Dawson kept the score to two.

It made it six games unbeaten for Williams’ side who have pulled away from danger.

Williams said: “It is them that are doing the heavy lifting and I am very lucky to stand at the side and watch them.

“We have a group of players who are ready to jump into the game and you have seen that again with players coming in with a great attitude and helping secure the victory.

“A clean sheet and two goals away from home is pretty much as good as it can get.

“I thought the first half was a bit clunky and the opposition stopped us getting into flow and there were one too many unforced errors from us.

“The team was together and stuck in the game and it opened up a bit more in the second half.

“The spaces weren’t there as much in the first half. We seemed to brighter in the second half and we were able to get forward and exploit the gaps.

“It’s an evenly matched game – there isn’t much in it.

“We knew it was going to be a resolute Rotherham and they would fight tooth and nail to be in the game with us but eventually we managed to find enough openings to get the game won.”

Both teams hit the woodwork with the scores goalless with Donay O’Brien-Brady coming close for the visitors and then Jordan Hugill smacking the bar at the other end.

It was a sixth loss on the bounce for The Millers who have been plunged into a relegation battle.

Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw said: “The fans are on my back and I get it. Something’s got to change.

“We have got a lot of players out.

“We need characters, desire and spirit and that wasn’t there and wasn’t there the other night.

“That is the message I am trying to get into the players.

“It’s unacceptable at this moment in time and it’s nowhere near the levels that I have spoken about and there has been a massive drop-off.

“The club needs to strengthen.”