League Two Round-Up: Northampton edge towards the title, Bristol Rovers back in the top three and Devon delight for Exeter

Northampton Town are one step closer to winning promotion from League Two after a 2-2 draw at home to Notts County.

Ricky Holmes put the Cobblers in front with just over half an hour played with a volley, but Thierry Audel equalised moments later. Jon Stead gave the Magpies the lead from the penalty spot, yet Holmes grabbed his and the hosts’ second goal of the game, who have now gone unbeaten in 18 league games.

Northampton winger Holmes has now scored four goals in his last four league outings.

Bristol Rovers climbed back into the automatic promotion places after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Crawley. Matt Taylor opened the scoring shortly after half-time from Liam Lawrence’s corner, who struck an excellent 25-yard free-kick, before Taylor netted his second from a corner.

Accrington lost ground on their rivals in their race for promotion after drawing 1-1 at home to Cambridge. Jimmy Spencer put the visitors ahead with a simple finish before Tariqe Fosu Henry levelled the score with just over ten minutes left.

Plymouth slipped to fourth place after losing 2-1 at Devon rivals Exeter after taking the lead through Jamille Matt. But two goals in the last ten minutes from Ollie Watkins, firstly a stunning equaliser from 20-yards, before an exquisite 25-yard drive, pegged back the Pilgrims just before the final whistle.

Morecambe shrugged off Barnet 4-2 at home in arguably the most entertaining match of the weekend. The hosts raced into a 3-0 lead after a brace from Shaun Miller and Alex Kenyon’s finish. Michael Gash scored twice in the final 20 minutes of the game either side of Cole Stockton’s effort.

Hartlepool are all but safe from relegation after sealing their third straight win as they beat Mansfield 2-1. Billy Paynter was the hero for Pool as he tucked away two penalties, the first coming within the first 25 minutes and the second with just five minutes left after Colin Daniel had equalised for the Stags.

Wimbledon are now two points off of the play-offs after they beat Wycombe 2-1 thanks to Lyle Taylor’s brace as the forward scored either side of Michael Harriman’s strike. The Dons also have a game in hand on the seventh placed Chairboys.

Stevenage are now nine points clear of the relegation zone after a 1-0 win at Luton. Veteran midfielder Michael Tonge grabbed the game’s only goal from the penalty spot with five minutes left to end their six-game winless run.

Portsmouth maintained their place in the play-off places with a 1-0 victory over Carlisle, who themselves are chasing a top seven finish. Michael Smith pounced after Kyle Bennett’s shot was saved by Mark Gillespie to earn three points for Pompey.

Yeovil got back to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 victory over Newport, as Jack Compton’s penalty within the first 15 minutes separated the two sides, who are both all but safe from relegation.

York have now gone ten matches without a win after their 1-1 draw with Leyton Orient and are now nine points from safety. Bradley Fewster had put the hosts in front with his seventh strike of the season, but Will Boyle gave away a penalty with 15 minutes left to play and was sent off for his second bookable offence, before Lloyd James tucked home the spot kick for the O’s.

Player of the Weekend: Ollie Watkins (Exeter)
Team of the Weekend: Stevenage
Goal of the Weekend: Ollie Watkins (EXETER v Plymouth) – second goal