To say that it's tight at the top of League One is an understatement as the top 4 are separated by a single point!
Slipping up were Tranmere Rovers who went down 2-1 against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. Goals for MacDonald (9th min) and Rowlands (67th min) drew a response from O'Halleron (75th min), but it wasn't enough to salvage a point the table toppers. The O's are to within 5 points of a play-off place. Leyton Orient 10th, Tranmere Rovers 1st.
The dodgy home form of Doncaster Rovers struck again as Donny slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the Keepmoat against Walsall, who are closing in on a play-off place themselves. Butler gave the Saddlers a 2nd minute lead, with Paynter levelling for the home side 14 minutes later. Brandy netted the winner with 9 minutes left on the clock. Doncaster Rovers 2nd, Walsall 9th.
Swindon Town came up against bogey side Hartlepool United at The County Ground. Even though Ferry gave the Robins the lead in the 15th minute, Monkhouse salvaged a point for the League's bottom side with a 74th minute leveller. Swindon Town 4th, Hartlepool United 24th.
A south coast derby at Dean Court saw AFC Bournemouth inflict a club record 9th straight defeat on Portsmouth, which also means a club record 19th game without a win for the cash strapped Hampshire side. Goals from Grabban (63rd min) and Pugh (77th min) sealed the win for the Cherries. AFC Bournemouth 4th, Portsmouth 23rd.
Sheffield United did their best to keep pace with a 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town at the New Meadow. Doyle gave the Blades a 63rd minute lead, with Kitson doubling the advantage 9 minutes later. McGinn netted a consolation for the Shrews with 2 minutes left on the clock. Shrewsbury Town 18th, Sheffield United 5th.
Have the thoughts of Brentford strayed towards an FA Cup replay perhaps? The Bees have slipped back from the automatic promotion places, their cause not helped with a 2-2 draw against Bury at Griffin Park. Forrester gave the home side the lead in the 52nd minute, with Soares levelling 13 minutes later. Trotta restored the home sides advatage in the 68th minute, only to see Ajose level matters for a second time in the 76th minute. Brentford 6th, Bury 22nd.
Yeovil Town clocked up their 6th straight win with a fine 1-0 victory over Coventry City at The Ricoh Arena. Madden scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time to put the Glovers level on points with those just above them, but outside the top 6 on goal difference. Coventry City 8th, Yeovil Town 7th.
Mid table Notts County and Crewe Alexandra had to be content with a share of the spoils as a Murphy goal on the stroke of half time for the Alex was cancelled out by Cofie in the 57th minute. Notts County 11th, Crewe Alexandra 12th.
Franchise FC are pedalling backwards at the moment as they went down to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park. Barnard gave the Latics the lead in the 22nd minute, with Powell levelling 6 minutes before the break. Goals from Mvoto (44th min) and Iwelumo (53rd min) sealed a vital 3-points for the Lancashire side. Oldham Athletic 21st, Franchise FC 13th.
A few weeks ago, Stevenage Borough were looking at a possible play-off place, but having won just twice in their last 8 outings, they might have to start looking over their shoulders at the bottom-4 before too long! Their cause wasn't helped with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Carlisle United. Loy got the Cumbrians off to a good start in the 9th minute. Borough's cause wasn't helped when Arnold saw straight red 3 minutes later. Miller netted a penalty in the 14th minute to double the lead. Haber reduced the arrears in the 22nd minute, but it wasn't enough to inspire his team mates to salvage a draw. Carlisle United 16th, Stevenage Borough 14th.
In a similar position are Crawley Town who have only won 3 of the last 10 outings and have also slipped from play-off contender to a side looking over their shoulders, their cause not helped by slipping up 2-1 Scunthorpe United who boosted their chances of staying up even through Sparrow gave Crawley the lead in the 48th minute. Ryan levelled for Scunny in the 67th minute, with Canavan scoring the winner in the 79th minute. Scunthorpe United 20th, Crawley Town 15th.
Also boosting their survival chances were Colchester United who edged Preston North End out at their Community Stadium with a 55th minute Sears goal. Colchester United 19th, Preston North End 17th.
Source: Cherries MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
