Southend hit their goal

Monday, 20/02/2012

by James Beavis

The race for automatic promotion is really hotting up with the top six separated by just four points.

Southend are top on goals scored after they beat Crewe 1-0 at Roots Hall thanks to Bilel Mohsni’s close-range finish.

Cheltenham are right on their tails after thrashing ten-man Dagenham 5-0 in East London. Daggers keeper Chris Lewington was sent off for the hosts in a miserable day and they are three points from safety at the bottom of the league.

Swindon continued their march up the division as they beat strugglers Hereford 2-1 at Edgar Street. Paul Benson’s goal proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Shrewsbury tasted success by the same score-line against Barnet at Underhill. James Collins’ late goal sealed the points for the Shrews and ended the Bees’ unbeaten start to 2012.

Torquay’s seven-match winning run was brought to an end by Bradford City as they enjoyed a 2-1 victory at Plainmoor, leaving the Gulls two points from the automatic promotion places.

Bristol Rovers and Oxford United played out a goalless draw at the Memorial Stadium but the U’s stay seventh.

Marc Richards’ last gasp penalty gave Port Vale a 2-1 triumph over fellow play-off hopefuls Gillingham at Vale Park leaving the Valiants two points outside of the top seven.

Plymouth thrashed Accrington 4-0 at the Crown Ground in Paul Cook’s first match in charge of Stanley. The Pilgrims moved three points clear of safety with the impressive triumph.

Burton Albion and Rotherham shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Pirelli Stadium leaving the hosts without a win in eight games.

AFC Wimbledon and Morecambe also shared the same score-line as Rashid Yussuf’s equaliser ensured this mid-table fixture ended all square.

Aaron Morris’ second–half strike ensured Aldershot beat Macclesfield 1-0 at Moss Rose, condemning the Silkmen to their seventh consecutive defeat as they slip towards trouble.

• 

• Have your say