League Two promotion round-up

BRISTOL ROVERS fell out of the automatic promotion places as their six-game winning run came to an end at Carlisle.
Ricky Holmes. Picture: Sharon LuceyRicky Holmes. Picture: Sharon Lucey
Ricky Holmes. Picture: Sharon Lucey

The Cumbrians picked up a 3-2 win at Brunton Park in a see-saw clash to stall the flying form of Darrell Clarke’s side.

That was one of a number of decent results for Pompey as they were forced to look on after their clash with AFC Wimbledon was washed out.

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Play-off hopefuls Leyton Orient were sent spinning to a surprise 2-0 defeat to Hartlepool at Brisbane Road.

And Oxford United missed out on the chance to open up a gap on their rivals as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Cambridge.

It was the Pirates’ loss which was the most eyecatching of the day at the top of League Two, however.

It proved a dramatic clash as Jack Stacey put the home side in front with a peach of a 25 yarder after 11 minutes.

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A mistake from Mark McChrystal gifted Billy Bodin a leveller, however, before Charlie Wyke put the Keith Curle’s side level. Matt Taylor’s predatory finish evened things again, but Jason Kennedy wrapped up the three points for Carlisle with five minutes left.

Second-half goals from Billy Paynter did the damage for Hartlepool against Orient.

It’s two draws on the bounce for Oxford ahead of their Football League Trophy final against Barnsley.

Cambridge were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half stopping them gaining all three points.

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Leaders Northampton had two former Pompey players to thank for extending their unbeaten league run to 18 games at Mansfield.

Chris Wilder’s side had to battle back from 2-0 down at Field Mill to rescue a point.

A Ricky Holmes penalty and an effort from former Blues loanee, John Marquis earned the Cobblers a draw.

Elsewhere at the top, Plymouth held off a fightback from lowly York to get a 3-2 home win, Accrington Stanley had a comfortable 2-0 success at Newport County and Wycombe played out a 0-0 draw at Notts County.