Date: 14th March 2016 at 10:50am
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Northampton extended their lead at the top of the table to 14 points despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Cambridge United at Sixfields.

John Marquis had given the Cobblers the lead with just 20 minutes to left to play, only for James Spencer to net in stoppage-time for the visitors.

Oxford United missed out on the chance to close on Town as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Kevin Nolan’s Leyton Orient, who moved into a play-off spot as a result. Jobi McAnuff grabbed the winner for the O’s with a low drive 15 minutes from time.

Third-placed Plymouth Argyle also slipped up as they were beaten 2-1 at fellow promotion contenders, Accrington Stanley. Jake Jervis had given the visitors the lad early in the first-half, but two goals in the last five minutes – a Billy Kee penalty and a stoppage-time header from Shay Mccarran – lifted Stanley up to fifth.

Bristol Rovers moved up to fourth and are just three points off of automatic promotion after a 1-0 victory over Mansfield. Matt Taylor netted the game’s only strike – his 20th goal of the season.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Hartlepool defeated fellow strugglers Dagenham 3-1 to move seven points clear of relegation, severely denting their visitors’ chances of staying up.

Billy Paynter put the hosts in the lead from the penalty spot, before Jake Carroll doubled their lead. Matthew Cash pulled one back for the Daggers with an incredible 30-yard strike, but Jake Gray restored Pools’ two-goal cushion, as they won back-to-back games for the first time since August.

Tuesday 19th January 2016 - FA Cup 3rd Round Replay - Portsmouth FC v Ipswich Town FC : Gary Roberts takes the portsmouth pentalty Photo: Kieran Clarke

Gary Roberts was sent off as Portsmouth were beaten 3-0 by Newport County at Fratton Park. Photo: Kieran Clarke/Offside

Newport thrashed 10-man Portsmouth 3-0 at Fratton Park to move 13 points clear of the bottom two, leaving Pompey’s automatic promotion hopes in tatters. Strikes from Darren Jones, Scott Boden and Dean Morgan gave the visitors a memorable victory after Gary Roberts was sent off for the host, all-but assuring their League Two status for next season.

Carlisle twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Exeter after the game was stopped more than an hour after smoke was seen coming from the back of one of the stands at St James’ Park. The hosts took the lead through Jayden Stockley, before Charlie Wyke equalised. City then went ahead again through David Wheeler, but Luke Joyce levelled the score with five minutes to play.

Morecambe beat Wimbledon 2-1 as they won for the first time in 11 matches. After a dull first-half, Andy Fleming gave the hosts the lead with 15 minutes left to play, which was followed up by a Jamie Devitt penalty. George Francomb pulled one back for the visitors, but it was too little, too late.

Yeovil made it four consecutive wins as they beat Notts County 1-0. Francois Zoko scored the game’s only goal when he climbed the highest to head the ball home against his former club. The Glovers are now 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Wycombe are now one point off of the play-offs after they beat Stevenage 1-0 in a tight match at Adams Park. The hosts are eighth in the table thanks to Luke O’Nien who pounced quickly to score the rebound from Jason McCarthy’s shot.

Luton’s slim chances of grabbing a play-off place were dented after they lost 1-0 to Crawley. Matt Harold found the back of the net with a calm finish 12 minutes from time as the Red Devils stay 16th.

Elsewhere, York and Barnet drew 1-1 at Bootham Crescent but City fell seven points from safety following Hartlepool’s win against Dagenham. Lewis Alessandra had put the hosts in the lead when he tapped in from ten yards, before John Akinde equalised for the Bees, who are 15th.

Player of the Weekend: Matt Taylor (Bristol Rovers)
Team of the Weekend: Newport County
Goal of the Weekend: Matthew Cash (Hartlepool vs DAGENHAM)

 
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