An interesting afternoon in League One as the top 2 suffered surprise defeats in their quest for promotion.
Tranmere Rovers slipped at home against Carlisle United at Prenton Park as Loy scored the only goal of the game in the 44th minute. Tranmere Rovers 1st, Carlisle United 17th.
Bury boosted their survival chances at the expense of denting the promotion push for Doncaster Rovers at Gigg Lane. Goals from Bishop (25th min), Ajose (36th min) sealed a vital 3-points for the home side. Bury 22nd, Doncaster Rovers 2nd.
AFC Bournemouth turned up the pressure on the leading pack with a thumping 3-0 away win against Franchise FC at Stadium:Franchise. Goals from Grabban (9th min) and Pugh (45th min), just after Lowe was sent off for a disgusting challenge on Elphick saw the Cherries threaten to run riot in the second period. The Cherries had to wait until the 84th minute when Arter fired home a 30-yard free kick to seal the win. Franchise FC 11th, AFC Bournemouth 3rd.
In the late kick-off between Crawley Town and Swindon Town, honours were even in a game decided on two penalties. The first penalty went to the Red Devils, who saw Clarke score his in the 23rd minute. The Robins levelled matters in the 59th minute with a penalty of their own. Crawley Town 14th, Swindon Town 4th.
Coventry City managed to get one over Sheffield United at Bramhall Labe as the Sky Blues vie for a play-off place. Clarke fired the visitors in to a 14th minute lead, only to see Kitson level in the 72nd minute. Clarke sneaked a winner in the 87th minute. Sheffield United 6th, Coventry City 8th.
Have Brentford been knocked off course with the distraction of an FA Cup replay against neighbours Chelsea? May be given their 3-0 defeat against play-off chasing Yeovil Town at Huish Park. Goals from Madden (34th min), Upson (41st min) and Burn (84th min) proved to be too much for the Bees. Yeovil Town 7th, Brentford 5th.
Walsall had to come from behind to win against Oldham Athletic who appear to be distracted by their own FA Cup run. Loanee Barnard gave the Latics the lead in the 19th minute, but the Saddlers hit back through Baxendale (40th min) and a brace for Paterson (74th and 94th mins) to seal the win. Walsall 9th, Oldham Athletic 20th.
Hartlepool United managed to record a massive result against Notts County as the home side saw a bit more of the light at the end of the tunnel as they record a 2-1 home win to end a loosing run at home dating back 3 months. Poole gave United the lead in the 5th minute. Campbell-Ryce levelled 7 minutes after the restart, but not to be denied, Hartley fired home the winner in the 70th minute. Hartlepool United 24th, Notts County 10th.
Crewe Alexandra chalked up a single goal win over struggling Scunthorpe United at Gresty Road with Leitch-Smith scoring the only goal of the game in the 75th minute. Crewe Alexandra 12th, Scunthorpe United 22nd.
Leyton Orient maintained their mid-table position with a single goal win for themselves against Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way. Cox scored the only goal in the 10th minute. Stevenage Borough 15th, Leyton Orient 14th.
Shrewsbury Town did their chancs of survival a massive boost with a decent 2-1 win over Preston North End at Deepdale. Despite Beavon giving PNE the lead in the 43rd minute, with Taylor responding in the 64th and Richards scoring the winner from the penalty spot in the 91st minute. Preston North End 17th, Shrewsbury Town 18th.
it is looking increasingly grim for Portsmouth as they slipped to yet another defeat, this time coming at home against struggling Colchester United. Massey gave ColU the lead in the 2nd minute, with Wallace responding 3 minutes later for Pompey. Two quick goals for the Essex side as Sears (16th min pen) and Massey (20th min) effectively ended the contest before it had barely started. Keene netted a 2nd for Pompey in the 73rd minute, but it wasn't enough to inspire an equaliser. Portsmouth 23rd, Colchester United 19th.
Source: Cherries MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
